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Janice B. Scott

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Braying Of A Donkey -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
Call to Worship:
Oh Dear, Roly! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Let us turn to him and
Jasmine's Christmas Present -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
Tarika And Amy -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Call to Worship:
The Bible Club -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Call to worship:
The Dove's Tale -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Call to Worship: God said, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well
James' Barbeque -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
John's Train Journey -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Call to worship:
The Apple Pip -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Call to Worship:
Rupert's Shame -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus says, "Follow me." Like Philip, let us find our friends and
Holly And Michael -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Call to Worship:
Mrs Round Bakes Some Cakes -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Stamp Collections -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Call to Worship:
Lonely Joe -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Follow me and I will help you to connect with
Hannah's Homework -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Call to Worship:
The Wandering Minstrel -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Spiky Is Transformed -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Call to Worship:
Grandma's Pendant -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Call to Worship:
Mrs Cluckabut's Chick -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Silas The Thief -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Call to Worship:
Jilly's Evening -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is God's beloved son. In our worship today, let us listen to
Grandma's Computer -- John 16:12-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Call to Worship:
Will My Hamster Go To Heaven? -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Call to Worship:
Sadie's Night Light -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Call to Worship:
When Simon's Dad Went Away -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Princess Lightfinger -- Luke 8:22-25 -- Janice B. Scott
This is a story about a princess who finds herself in terrible trouble.
Mike's Great Disappointment -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
Mike was fed up.
The King Is Coming? -- John 18:33-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
The jungle was abuzz with excitement.
Uncle Sol's Visit -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Ben was excited. It was a cold winter's day, but Uncle Sol was coming to visit.
Why Should I? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
"Where's Ruth?" asked Jamie's mother.
Gotcha! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Steven couldn't believe his luck.
Praxis' Special Job -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changed colour according to his moods, was a beautiful, bright oran
Michael's Snow -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
When Michael woke on New Year's Day, he gasped.
The Holy Grail -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
This is a story about a boy who is tormented by bullies, but his life is transformed when he makes a
Tracey's Temper -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Tracey was afraid. They were all playing Truth or Dare, and Tracey didn't know which was worst.
Winston's Race -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Winston was determined to win the race.
God's Messenger -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
"Oi!" said the angel.
Praxis' Mother Has A Headache -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Praxis' mother was uptight, which was unusual for her.
Mary Louise And Her Silent Companions -- John 16:12-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Mary Louise was a little bit lonely. Not completely lonely, but just a little bit.
The Hermit In The Woods -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Old Jack lived in a caravan in the woods.
Tony's Experiment -- John 6:24-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
"Do you want a sandwich?" asked Tony's mum.
Riding On A Donkey -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - B
I hadn't long been born when I first saw my mother being savagely
Friar Tuck's Decision -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Friar Tuck was worried.
Praxis Turns Scarlet -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Praxis, the pixie who changed colour according to his feelings, was a bright and healthy pink.
Mandy's Cloth -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Mandy was only four when she started school.
The Great Chess Game -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Stephen started playing chess when he was quite small.
Toby's Box -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Toby was playing with his favourite toy.
Tim Takes Up His Cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Tim was never allowed to go anywhere with his big brother, Fred.
Pinning The Tail On The Donkey -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Those who think they can see everything are often the ones
Fluffy Cat And Toby Mouse -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Fluffy Cat and Toby Mouse lived together in the same house.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Risen And Living God... -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God... -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Inclusive God... -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Rescuing God, Your Sense Of Grace Is Outrageous... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Creator God... -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
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God Of Law And Order... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
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Caring God... -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
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God Of Creation, You Gave Us Laws... -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
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Generous God... -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Astute And Understanding God... -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
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God Of The Whisper... -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
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Self-Giving And Self-Emptying God... -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love, How Can I Love Everyone I Meet... -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Powerful God, When Your Church Is Filled With Your Spirit... -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Universe... -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God, Temptation Is Nasty... -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving And Tolerant God... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Dear God, Sometimes I Hardly Dare Say What's In My Mind... -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
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God Of Refining Fire... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
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Courageous God... -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Humility... -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Overwhelmingly Generous God... -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
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God Of The Vine... -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation, You Call Your Church To Take Up Their Cross... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Laws For Life -- Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
The psychologist Scott
God's Call -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
At a recent seminar on
God's Kingdom -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
I once attended a meeting where the Liberal Democrat Shadow
Discerning God -- Genesis 18:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
On our first visit to Malta many years ago, we stayed in the rural south of the island.
Humility -- Or A Lack Of Self-Worth? -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
I recently heard a story about a lorry driver who stopped at a roadside cafe for his tea.
Addicted? Not Me! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Christmas is a great time in this country.
Say 'no' To Strangers? -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
I remember an occasion in a Church service some years ago, when a young man stood up to read the
From Warnings To Blessings -- Isaiah 66:10-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
At the 2004 Professional Golfers' Association golf competition at Wentworth in Surrey, the rather su
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison in
Leadership Through Service — Is It Possible? -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
When I was a student physiotherapist, those students who were considered to be the best in the
Did The Cross Really Work? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
In any daily newspaper there are always catalogues of horrific
The Lakeside -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
I've recently spent several hours by the lakeside, for I've been in retreat this past week in the
What Is Love? -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
John Humphrys, the radio and television journalist of forty years' experience, has written a boo
What's The Point? -- Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Riding a bike is a very good way of discovering the multitude of
Living Water -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Last April we had a group of visitors from a parish in Northen Sweden.
It's All Relative -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
A group of us from South Norfolk have recently returned from pilgrimage in Greece and Turkey, follow
Faith -- Genesis 15:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
One year, our church was approached by the chairman of the local council to see whether we could off
How Much, In The Cold Light Of Day? -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
The evangelist Billy Graham was away from home a great deal when he was in his heyday of large eva
About Death -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
One of the world-wide (or at least Western world-wide) effects of the attacks on the Twin Trade To
Sarah Laughed -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Perhaps one of the characteristics which endeared Princess Di to the nation, was her ordinariness.
God And Wealth -- Deuteronomy 30:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
There was a series of programmes on British television recently under the heading, "God Is Black." I
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison i
Land Rights -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
For centuries, an Englishman's home has been regarded as his castle.
Beyond Outward Appearances -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
The Bible doesn't have too much to say about women, and those it does mention are very often there
The End Of The World? -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott
I was visiting a 98-year-old lady recently who said to me, "I'm glad I could never see into the
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.

CSSPlus

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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