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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The jar left behind -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- William H. Shepherd -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
I was reading the work of a well-known biblical critic who said, "Adequate water sources were crucia
The Change Epiphany Brings -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:35-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
In all three scriptures for today we discover that when GodÕs Spirit reveals itself, change takes p
Something for Everyone -- 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, Luke 11:1-13, Colossians 2:6-15 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
One of the wonderful things about such selections as those chosen for this Sunday is the way in whic
It could happen to you -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Psalm 133 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
There is a chain of tradition.
Certainty -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Everyone I meet wants certainty.
More than one tale can tell -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 93 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Ascension Day is perhaps one of the least celebrated of the major Christian feasts.
Right Response -- Acts 15:1-2, 22, 27, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Just what does God expect of us?
The crops of Canaan -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
One night, prowling the corners of a Christian bookstore, I stumbled past the Max Lucado, Dan Jenkin
Mixed reactions -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
The promos for a new movie feature all sorts of glowing quotes from an assortment of reviews.
What goes up -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - B
"What goes up must come down." So goes the old saying, in an axiomatic testament to the gravitationa
Tri-focusing -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
On a scale of one to ten, rate the influence of the "one in three" and "the three in one" of the Tri
Looking for a leader -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Leadership is a hot topic in business and society.
Consequences -- Psalm 94:12-22, Ezekiel 33:1-11, Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Somewhere someone tells the story of a Sunday School teacher of years gone by who wanted to teach he
Let the real king rule! -- Jeremiah 23:2-6, Colossians 1:13-20, Luke 23:35-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
What a collage of images of God this day presents.
Drowsy disciples -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday of Advent - B
I watched with amusement, recently, as a gentleman across the table from me at a church committee me
The Danger of Walking in the Light -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
In both the Old and New Testaments light is always associated directly with God.
Witnessing -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
One thing is common in all our lessons for this Sunday, witnessing.
Coming together -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:7-20 -- Maundy Thursday - C
There is a church which actually sets a table for the Lord's supper.
Fear, faith and the future -- Genesis 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
"Fear" and "faith" are the words that ring through the lessons before us for this Sunday.
Over the trash can -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-19 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Ashes may not be as familiar or as regular a part of daily life as when most people had wood or coal
Initiative -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
All Saints -- Psalm 65:1-8, Psalm 65:1-8 -- All Saints Day - A
One of the worrisome things that is a part of our heritage is the matter of saints.
Here comes the judge -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
The reality therapy of this Pentecost season gets another sobering installment with the arrival of t
Spiritual chinook -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - B
In northern parts of the United States winter weather reports include phrases like "cold
Respons ... ibility -- Ezekiel 33:1-11, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1-20 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Listen to most people talk about responsibility and you will soon hear them speaking of duty and obl

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Prayer comes up often in scripture. Can you point to prayers that God has answered for you?
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Measles, chickenpox, swine flu, mad cow disease -- medical words today's "youth" recognize.
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
There is a ministry in many congregations today that uses prayer shawls to comfort those who are sic
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
The Los Angeles Police Department experimented with a new technology that has become so effective in
NULL -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Jesus wants to maintain our saltiness; he gives us more salt!
NULL -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
John shows how far the disciples were from understanding Jesus' teachings.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2012) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
In the TV series 24, which aired several years ago, Jack Bauer (played by Kiefer Sutherland)
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
One of my sons is getting his degree, and he sometimes complains about the tests he will have to tak
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Exploration of family background revealed that William Moore was born and raised in the territory of
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
There is a gentleman who quietly lives in Summerville, South Carolina, and goes unrecognized by his
NULL -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Louis Cassels, in his Christian Primer, explains why God revealed himself in the way he did b
NULL -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Famed preacher of the early church John Chrysostom [known as the one with a golden mouth] offers an
NULL -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
True or False: Eating pink pork will make you sick?
NULL -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
In Kasto, Minnesota, there is a business called Drive-a-Tank.
NULL -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
This is an uncomfortable text, no matter how one tries to read it.
NULL -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
I once wrote an essay "Can none Ph.D.s be saved?" I have friends who are Ph.D.s and I know they are
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2012) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
NULL -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Like Job, Americans do not like to admit that they are sinners, but rather like to think of themselv
NULL -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
At one time C.S.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
The history of swords is fascinating, spanning thousands of years and a multitude of cultures.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Great Britain's richest woman was American-born Eva Rausing.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
If Jesus was tempted in every way such as we are, then he can understand our temptations.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
As a church youth director, Ardi received lots of flyers in her mailbox.
NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Unlike the rich man in our biblical text, Francis of Assisi was willing to give up all his riches fo

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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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