Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.

You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.

Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Buckhead Church
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
• Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz

​​Fr. Mike starts the homily by asking the audience to imagine what their life would be like if they knew they would die on December 25th. He then discusses the meaning of Advent, which is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. He explains that Advent is a time to prepare for three comings of Christ: His first coming at Christmas, His coming to us in the present moment, and His final coming at the end of time.

Fr. Mike then talks about the importance of acknowledging the reality of our “couch cushions,” which are the things we hide from ourselves and others. He explains that shame thrives in secrecy and that we need to be willing to face our shame in order to be truly free. He encourages the audience to confess their sins and to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Fr. Mike concludes the homily by emphasizing the importance of letting ourselves be seen by God. He reminds the audience that God loves us as we are, even with our flaws and imperfections. He encourages us to step out of the shadows and into the light of God’s love.

Fr. Mike’s homily is a powerful and inspiring message about the meaning of Advent. He challenges us to examine our lives and to be honest with ourselves about our shortcomings. He also encourages us to trust in God’s love and to let ourselves be seen by Him.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Sinners Like Me

In his sermon, Andy Stanley talks about the importance of being a good steward of your time, talents, and resources. He says that we all have been given different gifts and abilities, and it is our responsibility to use them to serve God and others. He also talks about the importance of being intentional with our time. We need to make sure that we are spending our time on the things that are most important to us.

Stanley goes on to discuss the different ways that we can steward our time, talents, and resources. He suggests that we can volunteer our time to a local church or charity, use our talents to help others, and give our resources to support causes that we believe in. He also emphasizes the importance of being generous with our time, talents, and resources. When we give freely, we are not only helping others, but we are also blessing ourselves.

In the final part of his sermon, Stanley encourages his listeners to be good stewards of their time, talents, and resources. He says that by doing so, we can make a difference in the world and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer’s homily on the First Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of waiting and preparation. He begins by sharing a personal anecdote about waiting in line for a White House tour, highlighting the importance of patience and the value of the present moment.

He then delves into the biblical concept of waiting, referencing the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament figures who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah. He emphasizes the need to cultivate a spirituality of waiting, which involves living fully in the present moment and trusting in God’s plan for the future.

Archbishop Hartmayer also addresses the challenges of living in a society that prioritizes immediate gratification and material possessions. He encourages the congregation to resist the temptation to rush through Advent and instead focus on the spiritual significance of the season.

In conclusion, he invites the congregation to open their hearts to God’s love and to embrace the opportunity to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. He reminds them that Advent is a time of hope, patience, and preparation, and encourages them to live each day as if it were their last.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

Orbit

In his sermon, Louie Giglio talks about the importance of grace and how it can change our lives. He defines grace as “God’s unmerited favor” and explains that it is a gift that we don’t deserve. He also talks about the difference between grace and works. He says that grace is not something that we can earn or achieve on our own. It is something that God gives to us freely.

Giglio goes on to discuss the importance of accepting God’s grace. He says that we must be willing to humble ourselves and admit that we need God’s help. He also talks about the importance of living a life of gratitude. When we are grateful for God’s grace, we are more likely to live a life that pleases Him.

In the final part of his sermon, Giglio encourages his listeners to trust in God’s grace and to live a life that is worthy of it. He says that when we do this, we will experience the fullness of God’s love and blessing.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Kris McDaniel’s sermon, “Hope in the Waiting,” focuses on the significance of Advent and the importance of being spiritually prepared for the coming of Christ. He emphasizes that Advent is not merely a sentimental season but a time of active waiting and preparation.

McDaniel highlights the challenging context of Jesus’s first coming, emphasizing that He arrived during a time of darkness and confusion. He encourages listeners to recognize that God is not distant from their struggles but rather moves closer to them in times of difficulty. The sermon emphasizes that Advent is an opportunity to cultivate a posture of hope and alertness, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

McDaniel also addresses the tendency to distract oneself from life’s challenges. He invites listeners to be intentional about their time and to avoid numbing themselves through excessive consumption or other distractions. Instead, he encourages them to participate actively in the Advent season, whether through lighting candles, reading devotional materials, or simply slowing down and being present.

The sermon concludes with a call to prepare one’s heart for the coming of Christ. McDaniel suggests that by making conscious choices to be alert and awake, individuals can position themselves to receive the blessings and hope that God offers during the Advent season.

Listen to the full version here.

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