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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2022) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2022
Isaiah 65:17-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2022) -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2022
Hosea 1:2-10
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 2 (2022) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 5:27-32
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2022) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 3 (2022) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2022) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2022) -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 5 (2022) -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 11:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2025) -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Haggai 2:1-15b--2:9 and Psalm 145:2-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2022) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | OT 21 (2022) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2022) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2022) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2022) -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2022) -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 7 (2022) -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 16:16-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2022) -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2022
Luke 15:1-10
Sermon illustrations for Day of Pentecost (2022) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2022
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2022) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2022) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2022) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2022) -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6,14-15
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2022) -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2022
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | OT 27 (2022) -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2022
Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

A Church For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:46b-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"A Church for Christmas" by John Sumwalt
Truckin' -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Contents"Truckin'" by C. David McKirachan
The Clearing -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Clearing" by Keith Hewitt
The Great Starvation Experiment -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Somebody Else's Treasure -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Craig Kelly -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
Contents"Somebody Else's Treasure" by Frank Ramirez
Disposition -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
Contents"Disposition" by Keith Hewitt
The Parable And The Prophet -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
Contents"The Parable and the Prophet" by Sandra Herrmann
Living The Word -- Luke 17:5-10, Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Psalm 137 -- Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Contents"Living the Word" by Frank Ramirez
Brother Beahm Is Here! -- Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
Contents "Brother Beahm Is Here!" by Frank Ramirez
A Muddy Mucky Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
Contents"A Muddy Mucky Baptism" by Frank Ramirez
More Important Than Being Right -- Mark 1:21-28, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 111 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Holiday For Losers -- Mark 14:1--15:47, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Holiday for Losers" by C. David McKirachan
Love In Deed -- John 10:11-18, Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, Psalm 23 -- Craig Kelly, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Love in Deed" by Craig Kelly
Reunion -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- David O. Bales, Larry Winebrenner, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Reunion" by David O. Bales
The Mountain -- Mark 6:14-29, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 24 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Mountain" by Keith Hewitt
My Stone Soup -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "My Stone Soup" by Frank Ramirez
Five Days Old -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- John S. Smylie, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Five Days Old" by John Smylie
The Radiant Life -- John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez, David O. Bales -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Radiant Life" by Frank Ramirez
Achieving Greatness -- Mark 10:35-45, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Peter Andrew Smith, Terry Cain, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Achieving Greatness" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Scribe -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
The Scribe -- John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 24 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- All Saints Day - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez, Bryan Meadows -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Get Up And Go -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez, John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 18:1--19:42, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bryan Meadows, Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Good Friday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Always Be Ready -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez

Worship

SermonStudio

Other Services Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
In Times Of Emergency
Theme: If Only -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Historic Anointing Services -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
From An 1887 Church Manual
Theme: Get In The Game -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9) One:
Rejoice And Be Merry! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 117)
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
A Great Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
Here Is Your God -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 35:3-4)
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
What A Sign! -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 7:11 and 14)
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31
More Than You Can Count -- Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
Rocky Water -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16)

Free Access

I Knew This Would Happen! -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Acts 3:19-21) One:
What's The Absolute Least I Can Do? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Theme: And Another Thing, Lord ...
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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

Special Occasion

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