Posted on: November 30th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Today, we associate the word “king” with ostentatious spectacle: pageants, ceremonies, castles, and palaces. But Jesus was a king of service, suffering – and was without a home: whispers and nudges, not shows of wealth and great force. Yet his whispers are still changing lives today…
On this first Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves in a season of faithful hope, of expectant anticipation. Historically, this day was known as Stirrup Sunday, a time when the good housewife began preparing her Christmas puddings. However, the compilers of the Book of alternate services disrupted this quaint English custom by moving the date.
Although charming, this tradition prompts us to reflect beyond what we are anticipating, and instead, focus on who we are anticipating. This is the essence of Advent—a period of preparation not merely for Christmas festivities, but for the deeper gifts it offers.
Who Are We Anticipating?
The easy answer is that Advent prepares us for Christmas. However, we often claim that the gifts exchanged during this season symbolize something greater—the Child of Bethlehem, who brings gifts not of material worth but of grace. It is imperative that we prepare by reshaping our lives to demonstrate our worthiness.
The traditional gospel for today speaks of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—an entrance that exemplifies anticipation. Yet, this anticipation was met with questions of identity, prompting us to dig deeper into the biblical narrative to truly understand who this Savior is.
Jesus, the Savior
The first thread in understanding who we are anticipating during Advent is the identity of this child as Jesus, understood to mean “savior.” Soon, we will hear the story from Matthew where Joseph is told about Mary’s child, who is named Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew also provides another name, Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” This is a declaration that God himself is coming as a Savior, one who does for others what they cannot do for themselves. Jesus’ arrival brings not a reward for our worthiness, but a covering for our manifest unworthiness. He releases us from the slavery of sin—a truth we acknowledge each Sunday in our confessions.
Jesus, the Servant King
A second thread identifies Jesus as a king, but not the kind anticipated in Jerusalem. “Behold, your king comes to you humble, mounted on a colt,” one who reigns not with worldly prestige but through humility and service. This is a king who was born in a cattle shed, entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and faced Roman crucifixion with the burden of the world’s whips.
His kingship is found in suffering service. Even Pilate recognized this and assigned him the title “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” In this king, highness is found in lowliness, strength in weakness, and victory in defeat.
Jesus, the Lord
Lastly, we explore Jesus’ understanding of his identity. While many called him a prophet, this title falls short of his true essence. Divine voices, demons, and Jesus himself acknowledged him as the Son of God, and he teaches us his lordship through actions done in saving love.
With supreme authority, he benefits others—to teach, heal, and save. As he declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He grants forgiveness, freedom, and amnesty to those burdened by guilt, for he is Lord over all accused and accuser.
Preparing for His Coming
How then do we prepare for the coming of this Savior, Servant King, and Lord? First, not by attempting to prove our worth through resolutions, but by acknowledging what is wrong—a confession we perform every Sunday in worship. The Servant King equips us with objectives of peace and ways to achieve them.
We learn from Isaiah’s vision—transforming tools of war into instruments of peace. Such preparation also acknowledges our transition from people of the night to people of the day, as St. Paul describes. Behavioral changes, once impossible, now beckon us in the light of his arrival.
An Agenda Before Us
Our preparation for Advent must reflect our perception of who is coming. With trust in our Savior, recognition of the Servant King, and acceptance of our Lord, we prepare our hearts for the profound meaning of this season.
Advent invites us into a transformative journey, beginning with humble reflection and culminating in a renewed understanding of grace, service, and divine authority. This is the message I am entrusted to share, under the authority of the Lord himself.
Posted on: November 23rd, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Nov 23rd Sermon
Pilate’s inscription ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,’ Jesus’s crucifixion, and the mocking behaviour of those in authority, was meant to end Christianity before it started. But not even the most powerful state on the planet, can suppress news God wants humanity to hear…
That Pontius Pilate had the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” placed on the cross, only the Gospel of John captures this significant detail. Earlier gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not mention this inscription. It reminds me that sometimes, without realizing the deeper significance, people perform actions that carry monumental meanings. Pilate’s inscription, intended as a mockery, actually revealed a profound truth that even he may not have fully grasped.
A King in Humble Circumstances
The irony deepens as I consider how Jesus was mocked by soldiers, dressed as a king, which outwardly seemed a grotesque parody. And yet—there was a deeper significance at play. Pilate, intrigued by Jesus’ calm and gracious demeanor, might have appreciated this contrasts, seeing in Jesus something beyond a mere prisoner. For Christians, the irony lies in recognizing that Jesus, although crucified, indeed embodied the role of a true King. This makes me reflect on how expectations can be utterly overturned.
The True Kingship of Jesus
At Golgotha, Jesus answered the ultimate question of what kind of Messiah he would be—not through words but by actions. As one of the thieves beside him realized, Jesus could save others only by choosing not to save himself. Through His humility and suffering, Jesus revealed the essence of his kingship not with grandeur but through self-sacrifice. It is an inspiring image of leadership that doesn’t align with traditional notions of power.
The Cross as a Symbol of Glory
Over time, the cross has transformed from a symbol of shame to one of glory. It is fascinating to see how what was once reserved as a humiliating punishment has come to represent victory and hope in the Christian faith. At Calvary, Jesus took upon himself the burdens of humanity, converting a tool of disgrace into one of divine triumph. The cross now stands as a universal emblem of faith and redemption.
The Complexity of Life and Emulating Jesus
Many of us grapple with the complexities and uncertainties of life. I’ve noticed that people often feel bewildered by the challenges they face. I think one profound lesson we can take from Jesus is how he lived his life with purpose and direction, despite knowing the trials he would encounter. This determination was evident when he washed his disciples’ feet—a simple act that demonstrated profound humility and purpose.
Conclusion: Embracing Jesus’ Lessons
In reflecting upon these themes, I realize how Jesus’ life is a model of servitude and leadership intertwined. His statement, “Whoever would be chief among you, let him be a servant,” challenges us to align our lives with humility and purpose. As we consider what it means to be a true leader or follower, we can look to Jesus, who mastered both service and strength on the cross and in every action he undertook.
Thanks be to God for these truths that inspire us to live with purpose and embrace the depth of faith.
Feel persecuted and betrayed for sticking to your principles in a world that seems to reward deceit? I, for one, do not wish to live in a world where deceit rules. It’s disheartening to consider that even those closest to us, like friends or family members, might betray us. The Psalms remind us of this pain: even my own friend, whom I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me.
Hope Amid Trials
Amidst such turmoil, there is hope. This hope began with the prophecy of Isaiah, who spoke of new heavens and a new earth, where joy and delight would flourish. In this new Jerusalem, the righteous will thrive, planting and reaping their harvest, living in peace without fear of their work being taken by others. What joy it would be to call a house my own and to live in it without fear!
Recognizing the Beauty of Creation
We are witnesses to the Lord’s beautiful works, like the Northern Lights. I haven’t seen them in person, but they’re a reminder of God’s beauty around us. I believe our merciful God will not destroy these wonderful creations—we, as humans, are responsible for the destruction we’ve seen, from environmental damage to the treatment of animals. When given a piece of land, we must care for it, not destroy it. Like those who tend to vineyards, we must manage our resources carefully.
The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Jesus warned us to be wary of false prophets. In His time, and even before, many claimed to be the Messiah. But we must discern the truth through our closeness to Him. Only when we are near to Jesus can we truly know Him. We must stand firm in this knowledge, enduring trials and persevering in our faith. Just because people may arrest or persecute us doesn’t mean we should forsake Christ. Our endurance will see us through, as promised.
Living for Christ Alone
Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Generations will come and go, but our faith must endure. In Christ’s name, every knee shall bow. Paul reminds us that, even as we await Christ’s return, we must continue our work—work that benefits our community and reflects our faith, until He comes again.
Endurance and Perseverance
Endurance and perseverance are key. People may question why we persist in our faith when it’s easier to indulge in worldly pleasures. Yet, Christ must come first in all things. I remember a story my father told me about conflicts arising over land and crop. We must concentrate on what is right, building and harvesting what we have sown, standing firm in faith to prevent petty conflicts from escalating into war.
Conclusion
In this tumultuous world, our help is in the name of the Lord. By enduring and persevering in His name, we plant and harvest in peace, living in a world of new hope and joy. Amen.
Since the first and second World Wars, wars have continued to plague our world.
I remember the Korean War from when I was a child, as well as the Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars. My own continent has witnessed countless conflicts, too many to count.
Yet, the picture says, “Lest We Forget.” What have we forgotten?
The Forgotten Temples and Battles
The prophet Hagai tells of a time following a war that destroyed Jerusalem. Some people have returned to Jerusalem and prospered from post-war commerce. They are blessed with wealth and comfort. They live in luxurious houses filled with gold and silver.
Yet, the temple destroyed in the war, remains untouched, its reconstruction forgotten.
God commanded through Hagai, reminding the people of the splendor of the house Solomon built—a place that drew visitors from far and wide.
Similarly, I ponder the destruction faced by my brothers and sisters in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
As they rebuild, will they forsake their forefathers’ houses, or will they strive to restore them to a splendor greater than before?
Remembering the Human Cost of War
Wars, wars, and more wars. As a musician once sang—was it Jimmy Cliff?—there’s war everywhere: east, west, south. It takes only two people to start a war.
The historical battles were often sparked by a handful, growing into world wars.
In my family’s history, the British came to Ghana, conscripted my uncles, and sent them to foreign lands to fight wars they knew nothing about. Some were killed, some returned, others returned but were changed forever—mad, as they said.
The battles persist, even within our own communities. As with the Sadducees who denied the resurrection, and the Pharisees who embraced it, we are riven by divisions that lead us too often to view others as evil to be wiped out, rather than as human beings created in the image of God who hold opinions with which we disagree.
The Resurrection Debate and Our Belief
In one notable incident, Paul, arrested and brought to trial, declared that his sole crime was his belief in the resurrection. This belief divided the panel of judges comprised of Sadducees and Pharisees, leading to his release.
It echoes in First Corinthians chapter 15, where Paul addressed such debates in Corinthians: “Now, if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection?”
These debates remain central to our faith. If Christ has not risen, then what basis do we have for our beliefs? Our faith declares that Christ lived, died, and was resurrected. Without resurrection, there is no Christianity, and we would be liars claiming Christ was never raised.
Human Loss and the Cost of Forgetting
As we commemorate Remembrance Day each year, we revisit the devastation of past wars—not just of buildings, but of human lives, irreplaceable and sacred.
In wars, those who are not fighting often suffer most, particularly women and children. We see similar tragedies in Gaza and Western Sudan, where these vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.
Yet arms and weapons continue to flow, manufactured and bought elsewhere, perpetuating the cycle of violence among the beings created in God’s own image.
Our Role as Ambassadors of Peace
As ambassadors of reconciliation, it’s our responsibility not to exacerbate conflicts but to mediate and bring peace. When two or three people quarrel, it can escalate into something far worse. Our intervention should be for peace, not war.
Let us pray that God grants our leaders the memory of past horrors, guiding us away from further bloodshed and towards peace.
Conclusion: Remember and Forgive
On Remembrance Day, we honor those who have fallen, remembering not just the wars but the peace we are tasked with creating.
Our forefathers followed commands to fight; we must now follow a divine command to mend and heal.
By recalling the resurrection, we find purpose—accounting for our deeds, not in warfare but as peacemakers. As ambassadors for Christ, we are tasked with this holy mission.
In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Posted on: November 2nd, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Q: When Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” what did he intend you to do…
a) Embrace poverty as a route to the Kingdom.
b) Recognize all possessions belong to God; we should use the possessions under our control to further God’s mission
Spoiler Alert: I am not going to answer this question. Rather I will help you to apply the discernment the Holy Spirit has given you to answer such questions yourself.
The Call to Generosity and Discernment
Consider this: “If someone asks you for your coat, give the person what you’re wearing underneath.” How about when we do not have a coat to give in the first place? Jesus’ teachings challenge us to think deeper. “Blessed are we when we’re hungry now, for we will be filled” and the beatitudes in Matthew differ from Luke’s account, highlighting the diversity in interpreting these teachings. The essence lies in discernment.
Discernment, as Daniel once prayed for, is crucial. Daniel sought wisdom to understand the dreams that troubled him. As Christians, our ability to discern the workings of the Holy Spirit is vital. We need this discernment for our interactions, whether with our neighbors or our adversaries.
Facing Challenges with the Spirit’s Guidance
There are instances when the teachings seem daunting. Even the disciples voiced their difficulty with such teachings, yet we are endowed with the spirit of understanding and discernment. These are the tools God has bestowed upon us, crafted in His image with memory, reason, and skill guiding our path.
Living as Modern-Day Saints
Today, as we talk about saints, it is essential to appreciate those who have gone before us—Peter, James, John, the saints we’ve learned about. But sainthood isn’t just in the past or reserved for the beatified. My mother, for instance, embodied saintly qualities. Despite living among various families, she ensured every child was fed, exemplifying true selflessness and dedication.
Our inheritance from the ancient Christians includes the spirit to persevere through insults and persecutions. If faced with adversity, Jesus’ advice was to endure or move on, yet to never forsake the mission of preaching and embodying His teachings.
Our Spiritual Heritage
Brothers and sisters, sainthood is not exclusive. We are saints by the spirit passed down to us. The Lord’s gifts are ours to cherish and nurture. They cannot be taken away except by the Lord Himself. We stand on the shoulders of those who walked before us, endowed with their spirit.
Conclusion: A Prayer for Perseverance
I pray that God grants us the fortitude to walk in the footprints of these saints, enduring every trial as they did. May we persevere and, on the last day, be raised with them to enjoy the kingdom of God.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Today, we associate the word “king” with ostentatious spectacle: pageants, ceremonies, castles, and palaces. But Jesus was a king of service, suffering – and was without a home: whispers and nudges, not shows of wealth and great force. Yet his whispers are still changing lives today…