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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 Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 4 (2023) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2023) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 (2023) -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2023
Genesis 22:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2023) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 2 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 (2023) -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 (2023) -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 3 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 (2023) -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2023
Genesis 28:10-19a
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 4 (2023) -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:42-47
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 42:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 5 (2023) -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 7:55-60
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 49:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2023) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2023) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 6 (2023) -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 17:22-31
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2023) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 9:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2023) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2023) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2023) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2023) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 1:6-14

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

Sign Me Up! -- Luke 4:14-21, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
Contents "Second Opinion" by Keith Hewitt "Sign Me Up!" by Frank Ramirez
Petrified Forest -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Petrified Forest" by Frank Ramirez
Houston, We Have No Problem -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2016
Contents "Houston, we have no problem" by Frank Ramirez
Gone, Forgotten, And Now Remembered -- John 21:1-19, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, Psalm 30 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Gone, Forgotten, and Now Remembered" by Frank Ramirez
A Sense Of History -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "A Sense of History" by Keith Hewitt
On The Shoulders Of Giants -- The King James Translation Of The Bible -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
Contents
Too Good To Be True -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
Contents "Too Good To Be True" by Frank Ramirez
Sauer Grapes -- Mistreating Aliens -- Psalm 82 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2016
Contents "Sauer Grapes -- Mistreating Aliens" by Keith Wagner
Think And Let Think -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
Contents "Think and Let Think" by John Sumwalt
A Petition For Justice -- Luke 14:25-33, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
Contents "A Question of Hospitality" by Keith Hewitt
More Than One Winner -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
Contents "More Than One Winner" by Frank Ramirez
Man Of Lawlessness -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- John Fitzgerald, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2016
Contents "Man of Lawlessness" by John Fitzgerald
Good Old Number Seven -- Matthew 24:36-44, Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
Contents "Good Old Number Seven" by Frank Ramirez
A Holy Birth -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
Contents "A Holy Birth" by Sandra Herrmann
By Hickory -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Contents "By Hickory" by Frank Ramirez
The Great Aim Of Virgil -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
Contents "The Great Aim of Virgil" by Frank Ramirez
Ordinary And Uneducated -- Acts 4:5-12, John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Psalm 23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "Ordinary and Uneducated" by Frank Ramirez
That Awkward Moment -- John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, Psalm 98 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "That Awkward Moment" by Keith Hewitt
The Inquirer -- John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2015
Contents "The Inquirer" by Sandra Herrmann
Sit Down And Shut Up -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
Contents "Sit Down and Shut Up" by C. David McKirachan
One Big Family -- John 6:1-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
Contents "One Big Family" by Frank Ramirez "Sacrifice" by Keith Hewitt
Give Us This Bread -- John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
Contents "Give Us This Bread" by Sandra Herrmann
Paradox Of America -- John 6:56-69, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84 -- John Fitzgerald, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
Contents "Paradox Of America" by John Fitzgerald
Way Of The Cross -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12 -- John Fitzgerald, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
Contents "Way of the Cross" by John Fitzgerald
How You Play The Game -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "How You Play The Game" by Frank Ramirez

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday In Lent -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 12:1-8Theme: No Pleasing Some People
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:5-19Theme: Are You Ready? Are We Ready?
First Sunday After Christmas -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:41-52Theme: Talk To Me, Not Through Me
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 18:1-11Theme: Pottery Lesson
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21Theme: A Promise Is A Promise
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9aTheme: Count Well The Cost
Christ The King (Proper 29/Ordinary Time 34) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6Theme: Raise Up A Shepherd
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14Theme: Turnaround Is Fair Play
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philemon 1-21Theme: Refresh My Guts In Christ
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 17:20-26Theme: That We May All Be One
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 2:5-11Theme: Empty The Cup
Christ The King (Proper 29/Ordinary Time 34) -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: Share In The Inheritance
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14Theme: The Reading Of The Will
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:25-33Theme: Hiring The Right Architect
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21Theme: Clarity!
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 23:1-49 Theme: No. On.
Christ The King (Proper 29/Ordinary Time 34) -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 23:33-43Theme: Anguish And Resolve
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 1:(1-9) 10-18Theme: True Confession
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28Theme: Disaster!
The Day Of Pentecost -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 8:14-17Theme: No Fear
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14Theme: Who's That Knockin'?
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34Theme: The New In The Heart Of The Old
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6Theme: Witness To The Light
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17Theme: Immortal, Invisible
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:8-17 (25-27)Theme: ChooseCall To Worship
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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