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Stilling The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
1. Text
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Theme For The DayGod as our parent, our Savior, and spiritual presence with us now.
Two Healings The Daughter Of Jairus and The Hemorrhaging Woman -- Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
1. Text
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
The Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
1. Text
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - B
Seasonal Theme
Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Seasonal Theme
The Healing Of Bartimaeus -- Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
1. Text
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Eighth Sunday After The EpiphanyEighth Sunday In Ordinary TimeRevised Common
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - B
Theme For The Day
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Seasonal Theme
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Seasonal Theme

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Reclaiming The Past, Proclaiming The Future -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- R. Glen Miles -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
What do you do when you need to pick yourself up and move forward into a difficult situation?
Reservations For God's Children -- Hebrews 11:13-16 -- Anthology -- 1998
for one who loved the LordFrank H. Seilhamer
A Time Of Tests, Trials, And An Echo Of Rejoicing -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
I don't test well. I know the material, but I'm not sure I gave that impression on the test.
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are! -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Moses was a master of masquerade! He lived a good portion of his life in disguise.
The Responsibility Of Belief -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
The time was the reconstruction period following the great American Civil War.
Going Home To God -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- R. Glen Miles -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
We must be careful about saying where God can be found in this world because it seems, both in the B
Jesus' Grief And Yours -- Isaiah 61:1, Psalm 121 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly church memberCharles J. Lopez, Jr.
A Time To Be Born Anew -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A man comes to Jesus by night, a ruler of the Jews; his name is Nicodemus.
Growing No Feathers -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
When Imelda Marcos was criticized for having 3,000 pairs of shoes in her closet, her excuse was: "Ev
Bearing Our Cross With Jesus -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
In contemporary society, where self-fulfillment, accomplishment, personal enrichment, and enjoyment
Rejoice! -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- R. Glen Miles -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
There was a woman who was frantically trying to complete her shopping on the morning of Christmas Ev
A Time To Be Born, A Time To Die -- John 14:1-6, 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13, Psalm 23 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly church memberCharles J. Lopez, Jr.
A Time To See Through Suffering -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
"Oh, that had to hurt!" one brother said, looking down at the other sprawled on the backyard grass.
Bloody Doorposts -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
When I was about twelve years of age I attended a state Boy Scout jamboree.
The Challenge Of Tough Love -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
The time was November 1930. The place was the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
Completing The Master's Work -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
Giacomo Puccini was one of the greatest composers of opera who ever lived.
Life's Short Circuit -- Revelation 14:13 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly electrician and church memberLawrence H. Craig
Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma
Accept Our Failures -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
Something that we must learn as we progress through life is the importance of being imperfect.
Shake It Off! -- Acts 28:1-10 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
Adrenaline pulsed through our bodies as we nervously took our positions in the field.
New Life From Old -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Easter is in springtime for a reason.
A Prayer For Your Marriage -- Robert Howard Clausen -- 1997
(This wedding address was for a young couple, both active members of the church.)
Living Beyond Unhappily Ever After -- Genesis 21:8-12; Luke 7:11-17; 21:1-4 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
The story escalated towards its climax as viewers sat breathlessly riveted to their seats.
Greed: Putting Things In Their Proper Perspective -- 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:25-34 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
Mr. Jones had a job that gave him a comfortable income. He enjoyed fishing and motorhome camping.
Do Not Be Doubting But Believe! -- John 20:19-31 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
What a week it had been for the disciples. Everything had

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PROPER 20 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1986
The goodness of God is the dominant theme in the First Lesson texts, in the Psalms readings, and in
EASTER 2 -- Psalm 16:5-11, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The primary theme of these texts selected for Easter 2 is appropriately, implicitly or explicitly, t
God's self-revelation through Moses' death -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Philippians 4:1-9 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The stoning of Stephen -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to Worship
PROPER 21 -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, Matthew 21:28-32, Philippians 2:1-13 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1986
In order to trace the progression of thought through these texts, perhaps we should start outside of
The early church proclaims Christ's resurrection -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Heth H. Corl -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EASTER 3 -- Psalm 116:12-19, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Norman A. Beck -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
In the three New Testament texts chosen for Easter 3, Series A, the message that God raised Jesus fr
PROPER 22 -- Matthew 21:33-43, Numbers 27:12-23, Psalm 81:1-10, Philippians 3:12-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1986
"God Will Prevail!" is the basic message of the parable of the renters in the vineyard of Matthew 21
God does not forget his people -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EASTER 4 -- Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The beautiful Easter theme of "The Lord is Our Shepherd," alluded to in the John 10:1-10 analogies a
Love within the family -- Ruth 1:1-19a, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The valley of dry bones -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Jesus leads us to salvation -- Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Philippians 4:1-9 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1986
The message conveyed in the Matthew 22:1-14 parable is basically that "When God invites, if you are
Prayer -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EASTER 5 -- Psalm 31:1-8, Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The Gospel reading for Easter 5 begins the transition from Easter to Ascension and Pentecost activit
PROPER 24 -- Ruth 1:1-19a, Psalm 146, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1986
Through the use of these texts we are guided to perceive God in universal terms, as the One who has
EASTER 6 -- Psalm 66:8-20, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Perhaps the most usable unifying theme that is present in all of the texts selected for Easter 6, Se
Proper 25 -- Ruth 2:1-134, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:God often surprises us with blessings we do not expect.
A compassionate Servant -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Hebrews 9:11-15 -- Heth H. Corl -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 25 -- Ruth 2:1-13, Psalm 128, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1986
When Hans Kung in On Being a Christian reflects on the ways in which the Jesus of history depicted l
EASTER 7 -- Psalm 68:1-10, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The theme of "Power and Glory" permeates these six readings, as is appropriate on this Sunday After
PROPER 26 -- Ruth 4:7-17, Psalm 127 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1986
We shall begin with the Roman Catholic selections and with the Common Lectionary variations from the
Trinitarian blessing -- 2 Corinthians 13:5-14, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Heth H. Corl -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EASTER DAY -- John 20:1-18, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:14-24 -- Norman A. Beck -- Easter Day - A -- 1986
More than on any other day during the Church Year, our Easter Day message must be subjective and it

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Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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