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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Flood insurance -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2002
The sad fact is that many people do not know what is truly covered in their insurance policies until
Glory in the cross -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Constantine Caesar was advancing his legions through the northern Italian mountains toward Rome.
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Always lots of room -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Do we have room for people?
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The harmony of the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
Do you know the name L. L. Zamenhof? It's not a name you hear every day.
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
Plowed human furrows -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
Early in human history, people discovered that they could stir up soil, drop seeds in the stirred up
A journey of a thousand miles -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2002
There are many books describing amazing journeys, but one of the most fascinating for me was Enduran
Old life, new life, different life -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
Easter is a joyous time, a time of new life and new hope, of spring after winter, of the holiday aft
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Decorations, calendars, and piped-in music -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Everybody knows that Christmas decorations go up earlier every year.
Where is God? -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
There was a delightful article from the Associated Press some time ago that claimed God had been fou
Of clones and bones and the Spirit of life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
From The Washington Post, November 25, 2001: "Scientists in Massachusetts said today they had succee
Don't do the math! -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Psalm 114 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
Two of the top women's tennis players in the world are the sisters Venus and Serena Williams.
God is so good! -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
"God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, God's so good to me." So go the words to a popular
Arise and shine -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2002
When I was a youngster, my mother would awaken my siblings and me every morning with a call from the
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2002
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
When my son was about 4, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Heart witnesses -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
The People's Court, Judge Judy, Judge Mills Lane, Power of Attorney.
Be prepared -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Whether or not they have ever been personally involved in scouting, most people with even a passing
Religious jabberwocky -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
'Twas brillig, and the slithy tovesDid gyre and gimble in the wabe;
The sacrifice Isaac offered -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
Without question the story of "The Sacrifice of Isaac" is one of the most horrific in the whole Bibl
The tools of the blessing trade -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
I used to work with a guy named Jack.
Non-Hollywood love -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
In June the American Film Institute released its list of the top 100 romance movies of all time.

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Can you imagine standing all day while someone read the Bible to you?... -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Can you imagine standing all day while someone read the Bible to you? That in itself shows faith!
Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, the son of Joseph. Jesus, the carpenter.... -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, the son of Joseph. Jesus, the carpenter.
Paul claims that all are part of the Body... -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Paul claims that all are part of the Body, all our jobs are equally esteemed and indispensable.
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming?... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming? Was it because he gave good sermons?
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life." The French
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The small West African country of Liberia experienced 14 years of devastating civil war from 1990 th
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We might have said we lived in a land flowing with milk and honey except for those in the Midwest wh
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title... -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title that Jesus selected for himself.
NULL -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Paul's concern with confessing that Jesus is Lord (v.
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Aren't we tempted more when we are hungry or thirsty or have some other urgent need?
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
In one of Shakespeare's more unpleasant plays, Measure for Measure, Isabella learns that her
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2013) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Isaiah 55:1-9
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Water is life!
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Reading this passage, you wonder if your thoughts can contain what God has said.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a Sunday historically related to the theme of repentance, when candidates for Baptism held o
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George Washington, though he may have had a dour look because of his false teeth, was a man who enjo
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
When the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attack, many were wondering
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The innocent often die with the guilty.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a text about freedom, the first experience celebrating the Passover feast of freedom for the
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George and Martha Washington had a very endearing relationship.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.

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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
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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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 -

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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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