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Ash Wednesday - A

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Dear heavenly Father... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
No more ugly faces -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Showing off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Teachers or Parents: Do some research in a Bible dictionary

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We Dare Not Duck Our Sinfulness -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the theme of the day remind us that we dare not duck our sinfulness.
Awareness of Sin and The Urgency of Repentance -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Ash Wednesday is time to stress our sorrow for sin and the way out, a chance to stimulate our awaren
Inward And Outward Faith -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Coffin -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
It is the week before “Fat Tuesday,” and a given group of people are gathered in a restaurant, livin
A holy Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Imagine life in a northern farming community a couple of centuries ago. It's early March.
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
What's in your attic? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
A now-famous credit card company advertisement asks, "What's in your wallet?" The
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2002
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
Where the heart is -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1999
This day has become an important one in the church year.
Reforming worship -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1996
The peace treaty -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
In our nation, we are proud to say that nobody has any right to tell us what to do.
The cross of repentance -- Psalm 51:1-13, Joel 2:12-19, Matthew 6:1-6 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Mardi Gras! Festivals of light! Great crowds gathering to have fun.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Show and Tell! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Object: Create cards for a game of Charades.
Obvious Secret -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Lent can be an odd time for church kids.
Secretly -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
What do you think of when you see a beautiful present (let kids respond) Maybe birthdays...
Praying with Ashes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Anna Shirey -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
Ambassadors for Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on be
Dear heavenly Father... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secr
Taking our sins away -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we
No more ugly faces -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they
Our most valuable asset -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good evening! It's not often I get to say good evening
Showing off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning! Today I brought a Bible with me. Normally
Removing obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. It looks like you're trying to enter a dangerous area.
The way to give gifts and treasures -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. We are going to have a surprise search this morning.
Too much to carry -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good evening! How come we're in church tonight? Does anyone
Later -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning! Let me share with you a little story. Johnny was playing outside.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2023) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2020) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2017) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2014) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
We come together... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We come together for birthday parties, weddings and funerals, and retirement celebrations.
Anthony Campolo, a college... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Anthony Campolo, a college sociology professor who writes extensively on theology, offered a cure fo
Dr. Ed Young tells... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Dr. Ed Young tells the story of Dr. Clovis Chappell as a college student.
Ash Wednesday is a... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance, for turning around.
When I was in Nepal... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
When I was in Nepal as a missionary it was illegal to be a Christian until 1992; I met the first Chr
We are full of... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We are full of pride and hypocrisy.
As a child coming... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
As a child coming home from school one afternoon, I heard my mother talking to someone.
In the 1970s... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
In the 1970s Karl Menninger wrote a book that was widely read, studied, and discussed.
The old saying goes... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
The old saying goes that if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig.
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
In 2006, in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, Charles Carl Roberts IV entered a sma
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The poem "Poor Angus" by children's poet Shel Silverstein is written as if it were a conversation be
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20--6:10 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
In January of 2011, when Dan Uggla signed the contract to be the coach of the Atlanta Braves, he did
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Volunteering is often a thankless job.
It is said that there... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
It is said that there was once a wise, old rabbi, who carried in his pocket two stones. One
John Wesley once said, It... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
John Wesley once said, "It was not merely by light of reason ... that the people of God
In small towns across the... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
In small towns across the country, the safety of the people depends on volunteer
According to Dr. Scott Turansky... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
According to Dr.
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
"The Rubaiyat" of Omar Khayyam states,
I paid my college tuition... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I paid my college tuition and supported my family by pumping gasoline for a major oil

StoryShare

Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
The Lenten Season
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe ashes on the forehead are a symbol of hope, not despair.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2006
(See Lent 5, Cycle B, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternative appro
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten observance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

For the Glow of It -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Our Ash Wednesday service is full of rich symbols.
Locusts Happen -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Tony S. Everett -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
It was never this bad; not in their lifetime, not in any-body's lifetime.
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.
Return To The Lord, Your God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Lee Griess -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Every once in a while a whimsical story makes the news.
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Sleeping Through The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I might as well get this off my chest. I have an abiding dislike for alarm clocks.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the
Lent Is About Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
The story of Lent really begins back in the Garden of Eden.
The Journey To Freedom Begins -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Indian freedom fighter and certainly one of the most influential persona
Lent To Life -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
Love Is Your Disguise -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
The pastor of a village church has been given a high honor to judge the costume contest.
An Our Good works And Generosity -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
To whom was Jesus referring with these words?
Lent - A Tithe Of Days -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-2 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Ash Wednesday - A
Many of us feel that our lives are out of control.

The Village Shepherd

The Nature Of Sin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ash Wednesday - A
The story's told, that in the 3rd and 4th centuries, out of the Germanic areas of Europe, came the
Sin - What A Drag! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ash Wednesday - A
When children are baptised in the Church of England, their parents and godparents make three

Stories

StoryShare

Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
Purify Me Of My Sin -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
John knocked at the door and waited. His heart was pounding in his chest and he was sweating.
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents "Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Repentance And Renewal -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Contents"Repentance and Renewal" by John Fitzgerald
Silver Creek -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Contents"Silver Creek" by Keith Hewitt
The Terrible Dark Day -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales, Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
This season of Lent, which we begin today, developed gradually in the church.
The Rescuers -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
A Random Act Of Kindness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
In his book A Time to Fish and A Time to Dry Nets (1996: Lakewood Publishing Co.), author Alv
Forest's Mark -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Forest never said much when he came to church.
Cleansed -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Shirley sits bolt upright in her bed and cries out, "Enough, I can't bear it anymore!" The back of h

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
(Note: We use Taizé songs for our worship, but other songs can be substituted for other co
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Hymns And Songs Savior, When In Dust To You -- LBW 91
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Prayer, Fasting, And RepentanceCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Prior to worship, ask the congregation to bring some writings about the beginning of Lent which they
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Return To MeCall To Worship
Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a prayer.
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- B. David Hostetter, B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Felt repentance versus formal regrets -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: The context for Joel's prophesies is a plague of locusts, which he interprets as a
A call to repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Psalm 51:1-12, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Each year as we consider the meaning of Lent and the significance we would like it to have for us an
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 -

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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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