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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

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The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t
Heads or Tails -- James 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
A Sanctuary from the Fire -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of
Whether You See It Or Not -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2024
“If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost (2024) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2024
Acts 2:1-21
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2024) -- Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 18:5-8, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2023) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 5 | OT 10 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
Illustrations for All Saints Day (2023) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations For Good Friday (2023) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2023) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 6 | OT 11 | Pentecost 3 (2023) -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7)
Sermon Illustrations For Easter Sunday (2023) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

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Keeping the Sabbath Holy -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Contents “Keeping the Sabbath Holy” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Real Man Of La Mancha -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Job 38:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Contents “The Real Man Of La Mancha” by Frank Ramirez
Why We Need Shepherds -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Contents “Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
With Malice Towards None and Kindness Towards Your Enemy -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, Psalm 130, 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Contents
Putting On The Purpole -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2018
Contents “Putting On The Purpole” by Frank Ramirez
Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan
Hearing the News -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hearing the News” by Peter Andrew Smith
Everyman Stands For Every Man -- Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pl
The Greatest Law -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
Contents "The Greatest Law" by Frank Ramirez
A Certain Lack of Strategy -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Contents "A Certain Lack of Strategy" by Keith Hewitt
Make a Way Through the Desert -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Contents "Make a Way Through the Desert" by Frank Ramirez
No Longer a Slave -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
Contents"No Longer a Slave" by Frank Ramirez
If Thy Eye Offend Thee... -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Contents "If Thy Eye Offend Thee..." by Keith Hewitt
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents "Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Tidal Surge -- Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Contents "Tidal Surge" by C. David McKirachan
The Witness -- John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
Contents "The Witness" by Keith Hewitt "Reliable Women" by Frank Ramirez
Lousy Way To Run A Business -- John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Contents "Lousy Way to Run a Business" by C. David McKirachan
Building A Better Beehive -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Contents "Building a Better Beehive" by Frank Ramirez
Prophets For Peace -- Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
Contents "Prophets For Peace" by Frank Ramirez
The Pillow -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
Contents "The Pillow" by C. David McKirachan
Jesus Is Coming, Look Busy -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
Contents "Jesus Is Coming, Look Busy" by C. David McKirachan
Redefining Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
Contents "Redefining Fair" by Peter Andrew Smith

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These People Marvel at the Star / It's a Sure Thing -- Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Contents “These People Marvel at the Star” by Frank Ramirez
Why We Need Shepherds / Away for Awhile -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Contents “Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

SermonStudio

Christmas Day -- Isaiah 62:6-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-12Theme: Looking Back To Look Forward
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5Theme: Game Over
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Haggai 1:15b--2:9Theme: You Ain't See Nothin' Yet!
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joshua 5:9-12Theme: Today I Have Taken Away Your Shame
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:18-29Theme: This Is Doable!
Christmas Day -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 3:4-7Theme: The Hope Of Eternal Life
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-29Theme: I Need A Hero
First Tomato, First Apple, First Fruits -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Joy In Healing
Christmas Day -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20Theme: The Present You Never Dreamed Of
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: View From A Height
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 20:27-38Theme: Smart Aleck Questions, Smart Answers
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32Theme: Treating Sinners Like Old Friends
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 2:4-13Theme: Memory AidCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26Theme: Roots
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23Theme: That's Him!
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25Theme: Sweeping Changes
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:16-21Theme: No Reruns Here
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16Theme: Just A Brief Word, Please
First Sunday After Christmas -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:12-17Theme: Grow In Favor With The Lord!
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:44-53Theme: Why Do We Wonder?
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Theme: Idleness Versus Sabbath
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:4b-14Theme: I Want To Know Christ
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:1, 7-14Theme: First, Last, And Always
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!

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