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Ron Love

Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper. He has served Methodist churches in rural, inner-city and suburban settings for 20 years, and also served for four years as an Army chaplain. Dr. Love has also been a corporate librarian for a Fortune 500 company and been a university professor for ten years, teaching history and theology. His writing experience includes denominational publications, magazine articles on religion, and a newspaper devotional column. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology (Slippery Rock State College), master's degrees in library and information science (University of Pittsburgh), secondary education (Duquesne University), church history (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and theology (Wesley Theological Seminary), as well as a doctorate in homiletics (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). Dr. Love now resides in South Carolina.
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Commentary

Children's sermon

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- John 14:15-21 -- Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Mark Twain would not allow his autobiography to be released until 100 years after his death.
Carol Burnett was struggling financially... -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
Carol Burnett was struggling financially to remain at UCLA as a drama student.
NULL -- John 17:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Dr.
One of the earliest problems with microscopy... -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
One of the earliest problems with microscopy was the fact that only one person at a time could look
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Ron Love -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
William Prusoff applied to Yale.
At local taverns, pubs, and bars... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers.

The Immediate Word

Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
The Final Four -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Where Is Emmaus? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Our lectionary gospel text this week brings us the familiar story from Luke of two disciples encount
Who Can You Really Trust? -- John 14:1-14, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday of Easter share several common threads.
The Unknown Gods Of Righteousness -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The Sixth Sunday of Easter falls this year on Memorial Day weekend in America, which provides an int
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch
Deciding To Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12, Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
This coming Sunday offers a big challenge, as it will be impossible to avoid the fact that it will b
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm
Gods Of Gold -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2011
The lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures assigned for this week -- Aaron's creation of the gol

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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
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Advent 4
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Christmas!
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

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

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

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

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

StoryShare

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


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

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

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