THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD: JAN. 12, 2025
Holy Trinity Ankeny
So, why does Jesus need to be baptized? If he is sinless, what forgiveness is needed? Why does the Son of God submit to John’s baptism when even John claims he is unworthy to “untie the thong” of Jesus’ sandals? These are questions that have vexed the Church for centuries. Luke’s unique way of dealing with these questions places John in prison and flows the baptism with a family tree. The result is the gift of baptism given to us as children of God.
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TWO KINGS, THREE GIFTS: JAN. 5, 2025
Holy Trinity Ankeny
When we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, we tell the story of astronomers from the east who bring three gifts. Christmas pageants and hymns portray these visitors as three kings. There are however, only two kings in the story. The fake one named Herod sitting on a throne in Jerusalem and the real one, Jesus, lying in a manger in Bethlehem. Isaiah saw the day when the nations would worship Israel’s kings, bringing gold and frankincense. The myrrh in Matthew’s story adds a substance used for burial and the cross looms. Jesus is not just a personal savior but a ruler who brings a new kingdom...
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LET CHRIST: DEC. 29, 2024
Holy Trinity Ankeny
As we step into the new year, Paul’s words to the Colossians remind us that the Christian life isn’t about striving to accomplish an impossible checklist. It’s about letting Christ—letting Christ’s peace, love, and word dwell in us and work through us. In a world focused on resolutions and self-improvement, Paul invites us to surrender, trust, and clothe ourselves in Christ.
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INCARNATION: DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Incarnation – the divine becoming flesh - is a wildly radical notion. Most religious thought in human history has firmly fixed a chasm between heaven and earth, between divinity and humanity. Yet we proclaim that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” What does this mean?
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SILENT NIGHT: DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Calling the night of our Savior’s birth :silent” seems an historical stretch. After all there were noisy animals, singing angels, shepherds speaking, and a crying baby. There were also many voices in the world made it seem impossible that anything or anyone important could happen in Bethlehem. Our love of this carol seems to be rooted in not the facts of the event but the longing we have to find an end to the violence, cries of suffering, and voices of injustice and despair that are all around us. Perhaps that is what this savior brings.
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THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO TURN: DEC. 22, 2024
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Mary’s Magnificat isn’t a lullaby—it’s a revolution. The world is about to turn, and everything is changing. A humble girl sings of God’s justice, lifting the lowly and scattering the proud. This isn’t just ancient history—it’s the hope we hold onto today.
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BROOD OF VIPERS: DEC. 15, 2024
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When John the Baptist addresses his congregation as a “Brood of vipers,” it hardly seems like good news. Rather than an insult, however, John is calling out the misguided notion that we can avoid judgment because we’re the right kind of people. We shall all be shaped for life in the reign of God through judgment or repentance. Repentance invites us to live in the presence of Christ now as people dedicated to justice, love, and compassion. It is very good news, indeed.
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LESSONS & CAROLS: DEC. 8, 2024
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Worship features readings of the season and music by the Adult Choir and a small chamber ensemble.
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STEWARDING HOPE: DEC. 1, 2024
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Advent is more than waiting—it’s stewarding hope. In a world weighed down by uncertainty and injustice, how do we rise up and see signs of God's kingdom breaking in today?
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CHRIST, THE KING: NOV. 24, 2024
Holy Trinity Ankeny
To whom will we give our lives to? That is the question on the Festival of Christ the King. Will it be the kings, presidents, rulers, and powers of this world? Wall Street or Madison Avenue? Or will we serve the only one “who was, who is, and the one coming?” as the Book of Revelation names him? Will we trust the powers and people who will pass away or the one who is eternal?
info_outlineThe cross is the chief symbol of our faith, a sign of the saving work of Christ. What does it mean “to be saved?” Some would say it is assent to beliefs. Others point to a religious experience. Those are not, however, works of Christ. They are things we do. In John’s gospel, Christ’s work on the cross is bigger than forgiving sins. It is to judge the world, drive out the evil, and draw all people to himself.