A whole new (church) year is upon us. Advent begins in less than a month, and I think we need the hope of Advent as much now as ever - the promise that the King who came the first time is inviting us to work out the redemption he provided for the world.
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Introducing the Advent & Christmas Communications Kit
Christmas (and the Advent season most people assume is the same thing) is a time when people are particularly open to conversations about spiritual things. I’d love to help churches with a message that really reflects the story of Jesus to draw more people into conversations about the meaning of the season.
Sometimes, the communication of the season falls to one person, or a small team of volunteers.
And for you who are the “church communications” team, I put together a kit...
Lectionary Preaching Starter Thoughts
For Sunday, November 8, 2026, Proper 27, Year A
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
“Choose this day whom you will serve.” Joshua doesn’t ask the people to pick a side in the abstract. He tells them their own story first, then asks for a decision that will shape how they live. Faith is always rooted in both memory and choice.
Psalm 78:1-7
The psalmist tells the next generation the glorious deeds of the Lord so that they might set their hope in God. Every congregation is one generation away from forgetting its own story. Who in your church is telling it to the kids?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul doesn’t tell the grieving Thessalonians not to grieve. He tells them not to grieve as those who have no hope. That’s a pastoral distinction worth preaching carefully, especially to people carrying fresh loss into the holidays.
Matthew 25:1-13
Ten bridesmaids, ten lamps, and five who brought extra oil. The point isn’t panic about the end of the world. It’s the quiet, ordinary readiness that can’t be borrowed at the last minute.
Complementary track: Amos 5:18-24 (”let justice roll down like waters”) and Psalm 70, or Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-20.
From the Archive
Advent Sermon Ideas for Year B. Advent starts November 29, and this year we’re back in Year B. The archive has a full four-week Advent series built on the Year B readings, with outlines and notes for each Sunday:
Hope: God Will Fix All the World’s Brokenness (Mark 13:24-37)
Joy: Being the Voice of Jesus to the World (John 1:6-8, 19-28)
Love: When God Wants to Change the World (Luke 1:26-38)
Helpful Links for Pastors
The Most Impactful Keys to Discipleship (Lifeway Research)
Out of more than 100 habits studied, a short list predicts real spiritual growth: praise and thanksgiving, praying for people who don’t yet know Jesus, reading Scripture, and feeling like you have a home church. Only half of pastors say they have an intentional discipleship plan. This gives you a place to start. Read the report
The Complete Pastor: Principles of Preaching (Brian Hotrum, via Karl Vaters)
Six practical steps from years in the pulpit, including what Hotrum learned from his own mistakes. A good reminder that your personality is part of how God speaks through you, as long as it doesn’t take over. Read the article
Brian Zahnd, The Anticipated Christ
“Advent is about waiting, a practice most of us in our secular age struggle with, but a holy practice we would be wise to cultivate.” Worth hearing before Advent arrives, especially if your December usually feels like a sprint. Check Out the Book
JR Woodward and Dan White Jr., The Church as Movement
“Genuine flourishing seems to come when the church is in a place of vulnerability rather than strength.” A word worth sitting with this election week, whatever the results. Check Out the Book
Note: Some recommendations may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Brandon earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
If I Can Ever Help
You can always hit reply with a question or a thought. Most of my work now happens in the communications space, helping pastors, churches and other organizations say what matters clearly.
Website Design and Consulting. I provide communications consulting and website development for churches and mission-driven organizations through 5ox Creative, and as part of my work with Beloved Media.
Walk Humble. The main page, where I write about life, faith and relationships.
Until next time, may your lamp be trimmed and your oil stocked, and may you find a little rest before the candles get lit.