Login / Signup

Ascension of the Lord - A

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Extra-terrestrial -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Up to heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
He opened their minds -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Teachers: On this Sunday we celebrate Jesus' ascension into

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What the Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ Mean for Us Today -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the Festival of Ascension testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of C
Strategic Moves -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
There is something wonderfully paradoxical about the Christian church.
Long-term ascension assurances -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- David Coffin -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Nobody thought this day would happen. The longtime department supervisor was retiring.
Game plan -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
During the 1978 British firefighters strike, the army was enlisted to cover emergency services.
Ground rules -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- R. Craig Mccreary -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
This past summer I was treated to viewing one of those baseball donnybrooks in
Ascension perspective -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1996

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

We Have a Choice! -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Jamison -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
Object: A coin to flip.* * *
Carried into heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Good morning, boys and girls. Why do you think I brought a kite with me this morning?
Eyes Open! -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Anna Shirey -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
We are the body -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (v. 23)
Extra-terrestrial -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
You are witnesses of these things. (v. 48)
Read and ask -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you
Up to heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into
The eyes of your heart -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Good evening! I have two pictures that I want to show you
What's Ascension? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Good evening! Can anyone tell me why we are in church on
Hope ... riches... greatness -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Sometimes people collect baseball cards. Some people have lots
Clothed with power -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Hello! One of my favorite comic characters has been Superman.
Time to pray -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Good morning, boys and girls. (Fold your hands in prayer as

The Immediate Word

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
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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 Ascension of the Lord (2020) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, M Adryael Tong, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2014) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Acts 1:1-11
Theophilus means... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Theophilus means "lover of God." We hope all Christians will be lovers of God.
The words of the famed... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
The words of the famed French intellectual Blaise Pascal well describe the sense of meaninglessness
President Abraham Lincoln... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
President Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, Edward Stanton, had a hatred for one of his generals.
The power of the church... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
The power of the church is Christ.
Everything that happened... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Everything that happened to Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament.
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2011) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Acts 1:1-11
They say patience is a virtue... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
"Patience is a virtue," they say.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by order of Hitler... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by order of Hitler shortly before the Allies rescued prisoners from th
When it appeared that Congress would be unable to pass... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
When it appeared that Congress would be unable to pass the 2011 budget, 800,000 federal employees wh
Thank God for the feet who have trod ahead of me... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Thank God for the feet who have trod ahead of me.
Susan Roy wrote a book that studied the history of the fallout shelter... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Susan Roy wrote a book that studied the history of the fallout shelter, titled Bamboozled: How th
A little boy went to his first symphony orchestra concert... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
A little boy went to his first symphony orchestra concert.
I thought it would be interesting to find out how many... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Craig Kelly -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
I thought it would be interesting for this illustration to find out just how many English translatio
We'd lived in Miles City... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
We'd lived in Miles City, Montana, a few months when a man in Billings (two hours
The apostles asked Jesus the... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
The apostles asked Jesus the question: "Is this the time when you will restore the
Many have scoffed at the... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
Many have scoffed at the idea of the ascension of the Lord Jesus as told about in Acts
In the spring of 2005... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
In the spring of 2005, students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology organized the
It was a great and... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
It was a great and marvelous thing that Jesus did when he came to our earth and showed
Like many in her generation... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
Like many in her generation, Holly stopped attending church when she was seventeen

StoryShare

Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Left Behind -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Contents “Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt

The Immediate Word

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

Preaching

The Immediate Word

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
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.

SermonStudio

Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for an alt
Ascension -- Jeff Wedge -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Share
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the second volume of Luke's great account of God's act of sa
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Miracle 5 Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
The risen, ascended and exalted Christ. -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1--11 (C, RC, E, L)
Up, Up And Away! -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that eve
Up, Up And Away! The Miracle Of The Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that eve
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

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
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.

SermonStudio

He Ascended into Heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
After John Glenn was the first American astronaut to orbit the earth, he met with the Soviet astrona
Stargazing, Naval Gazing, and Other Waiting Games -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Tony S. Everett -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Hurry up and wait! Hurry up and wait!
Connected To God -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Lee Griess -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet.
Receiving The Power Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
I love this story.
Power Sharing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Modern people are fascinated with power.
The Eyes Of Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
John Edward believes that people don't just die, but that they "cross over."
Completing The Master's Work -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
Having High Hope -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Into Thin Air is John Krakauer's grizzly account of the loss of twelve persons attempting to climb M
Looking Up, Looking Out -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Robert J. Elder -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Alan Paton was a courageous South African author whose courage was manifest in his novels, written d
Completing The Master's Work -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
Giacomo Puccini was one of the greatest composers of opera who ever lived.
He Ascended Into Heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
I want to take the text seriously this morning.
A Time To Hear Hope Calling -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
Huckle the Cat and his school teacher Miss Honey the Bear, Bananas Gorilla, Captain Salty, Pig Will
What Makes Those Disciples So Darn Happy? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
"I tell you, those disciples had it made! I sure wish that I had been alive in those days.
The Majesty Of God's Love -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Today we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.
A Name Above All Others -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Theodore F. Schneider -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
I. Jesus Christ is Lord!Deus ascendit! "God has gone up!"
The Three Wishes Of The Christian Life -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Following the resurrection of their Lord, the disciples' lives must have been an emotional roller co

Stories

StoryShare

Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Left Behind -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Contents “Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt
The Outer Limits -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Contents"The Outer Limits" by C. David McKirachan
You Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
Contents "Ascension" by Keith Hewitt
Wayne's Deployment -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Argile Smith, Charles D. Reeb, John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the pearly gates following the ascensio
Kristina's Angel -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Theresa Hammerquist
We Have The Majority -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.

Worship

The Immediate Word

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
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Service Notes
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We gather in this holy place, some empty, some filled,
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH 508, UM465)
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Knows No BoundsCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Coming To Know ChristCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The CommissionCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Ascension of Christ -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: SonlightCall To Worship
Clap Your Hands All You Peoples -- Psalm 47 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship.6 readers - youths Read with vigor.
ASCENSION DAY -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP and INVOCATIONLet us worship God.Let us pray
The Church's mission in time and space -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:46-53 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: With this beginning to what is, in effect, his Volume Two, Luke epitomizes his Gosp
The ascension of Jesus -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ASCENSION DAY -- Psalm 47, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:46-53 -- Norman A. Beck -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1986
The Ascension accounts in Luke-Acts (Luke 24:44-53 and Acts 1:1-11) and in Matthew 28:16-20 accompli
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

Wildcard SSL