First Presbyterian Church

From a large, narrow painting, St. Joseph and the Christ Child, in the Toledo Museum of Art, Great Gallery, is this tender and humanizing portrayal of the Holy Family. A standout example of 17th-century Spanish religious art, rich in symbolism and emotional nuance, the artist breaks from tradition by depicting Saint Joseph not as an elderly gentleman, but as a young, gentle father, cradling the Christ Child with warmth and devotion. This painting, a standout example of 17th-c

Gaudete Sunday, this Third Sunday of Advent, invites us to celebrate and rejoice as we wait and prepare. The coming of the Messiah and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the Good News that the angel will speak of when appearing to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” This brings us hope even amid our sorrows and struggles. When the Christ child arrives at the manger, we will rejoice and sing with gusto, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come.

Unexpected God, your advent alarms us. Wake us from drowsy worship, from the sleep that neglects love, and the sedative of misdirected frenzy. Awaken us now to your coming, and bend our hearts into your peace. Amen Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right

The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a message about wealth, compassion, and the consequences of personal choices. This passage reminds us that wealth does not guarantee a favorable outcome in the afterlife. Instead, it is a person's character and actions that have eternal significance. In this passage, the poor man at the gate, known as Lazarus, faces an arrogant, unnamed rich man. Hear these words from The Gospel According to St. Luke 16: 19-23 There was a certain ric