Sermon: “Frozen Chosen”. It is commonly believed that to be a Christian we need to remove all joy from our lives. This is so false! Joy is not the opposite of faith. Isaiah talked about a time of joy. At Jesus birth, the angel said, I bring you tidings of great joy. Jesus brings joy. Our faith does not call us to a time of gloom, but a time of joy. There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is a human thing, pleasure. Joy is much deeper and lasting. Joy is a gift from God, when love is expressed, seeing the beauty of the world, being forgiven, grace. Joy is not something we earn. People who walk in great darkness have seen a great light. Our God lives forever and sends a great light to shine in our lives. Rejoice!! With every winter there comes a beautiful spring. Rejoice always in the Lord. Go in Peace. Be the light of Christ. Thanks be to God! Rev. James L. Fogle, Pastor Celebration Lutheran Church, ELCA 39375 Joy Road Westland, Michigan www.CelebrationLC.com Facebook: Celebration Lutheran Church on Joy YouTube: Celebration! Lutheran Church @celebrationonjoy

Sermon: “You Belong to Christ”. At seminary students are asked to share their “call” to ministry. Some got the call early in their life. Pastor Fogle got his call later in life. He first told his grandmother. She told him she knew he would go into the ministry. It just had to be in God’s time. God invites us to be extra ordinary. We become transformed to a new life, a new redeemed life, a graced invitation. Some think they are ordinary. Look at the disciples. An assortment of ordinary fishermen. Not fame or fortune. Andrew was ordinary, but he lived an extraordinary life in Christ. Our primary role, as Christians, is to proclaim the gospel, to bring others to Christ. Andrew was compelled, driven, to spread the Good News. Ordinary Andrew took his brother Peter’s hand and brought him to Christ. We are not on our own, we belong to Christ. Rev. James L. Fogle, Pastor Celebration Lutheran Church, ELCA 39375 Joy Road Westland, Michigan www.CelebrationLC.com Facebook: Celebration Lutheran Church on Joy YouTube: Celebration! Lutheran Church @celebrationonjoy

The Baptism of our Lord. Sermon: "Why Baptism?" Pastors love baptisms. Baptism means taking on the name of Christ. This is unconditional love. Some people don't believe there is unconditional love. They think they need to earn it. Luther believed that something changed when he was baptized. The touch of the water. Luther said that when a child screams during baptism its just the devil coming out of them. Christ will always be with them. What purpose was there for Jesus to be baptized? It wasn't the same as when we were baptized. John felt awkward baptizing Jesus. Jesus needed to make tangible the next age with God's kingdom. For the heavens opened and God said, "This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased." Christ has empowered us. Baptism is a foundation for life in a rather hostile world. Baptism is a strength we can draw upon. Rev. James L. Fogle, Pastor Celebration Lutheran Church, ELCA 39375 Joy Road Westland, Michigan www.CelebrationLC.com Facebook: Celebration Lutheran Church on Joy YouTube: Celebration! Lutheran Church @celebrationonjoy

The Second Sunday after Christmas. Sermon: “And the Word Became Flesh”. Congratulations Joseph, It’s a God! Words… The word that God communicates with us is Jesus. This reveals the loving nature of God. The word rescue. And now a word from our sponsor. John’s gospel interrupts our lives with a word from God. We are God’s people. The word of God came to live among us. God brings love and forgiveness in Jesus. He brings grace, mercy, and peace for all of creation. Credits: Rev. James L. Fogle, Pastor Celebration Lutheran Church, ELCA 39375 Joy Road Westland, Michigan www.CelebrationLC.com Facebook: Celebration Lutheran Church on Joy YouTube: Celebration! Lutheran Church @celebrationonjoy The liturgies and music of this broadcast are licensed under the following: Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License # SAS000851 One License # A-728709 which also includes Podcasting and Streaming CCLI Streaming and Podcast License # CSPL128316 CCLI General License # 11378870 CVLI Video License # 504199283