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Epiphany of the Lord - C

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Children's Activity

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"The reason for the season" -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Teachers or Parents: It is true that much of the world

Gospel Grams 2

Epiphany of the Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C

Gospel Grams 1

Epiphany of the Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Has it dawned on you? -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.
Turn the Lights On! -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
Apocalyptic visioning is nothing new.
Shine, Jesus, shine! -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
In their book Resident Aliens, Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon tell the story of a Unit
The glory of God -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2001
These are the longest hours of darkness.
The unification of humanity -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1998
The English word "epiphany" derives from the Greek epiphaneia, which means "appearance" or "appearin
Variations on a theme -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1995
The readings for this day are firmly fixed in all cycles of the lectionary and this poses a challeng
Christmas lights -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Editor's note: Because some churches now use the Epiphany Day lections instead of th

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Epiphany of the Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C

Gospel Grams 1

Epiphany of the Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C

Children's sermon

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Decisions -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared
Discovering Jesus: Eee - pif - on - eee -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and
Wise People Still Look For Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: Seek Jesus with your wealth, your worship, and your life
Now I See! -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2012
First Thoughts
Revelation -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
I have here a picture. (In this trick picture, I have a
The reason for the season -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Good morning! I brought a star with me this morning to

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

Children's Story

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The Tale Of A Camel -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for advent

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
... enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
... and they knelt down and paid him homage....-- Matthew 2:11

Drama

SermonStudio

Unfathomable Riches! No Assembly Required, Gentiles Included -- Isaiah 60:1-6, 9, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2019) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
Isaiah 60:1-6a
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Isaiah 60:1-6
Epiphany is a story of the light... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Epiphany is a story of the light, the star, which leads the wise men to the light of the world.
Colin Powell, as Secretary of State... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Colin Powell, as Secretary of State, tried to negotiate peace between Palestine and Israel.
What is a revelation and how does it come?... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Almost all of us have read the Bible or heard it read, but how many have had a revelation?
In our system of government... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
In our system of government, as well as in many other systems around the world, there is the positio
Romance stories touch my heart... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Romance stories touch my heart, but give me a "mystery," one with good suspense. Great reading!
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens enlisted in the Navy... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Currently seated Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens enlisted in the Navy several hours before t
our sense of propriety are easily offended... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Reason and our sense of propriety are easily offended by the lowly state of the baby whom the wise m
Many strange things have been... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Many strange things have been done in the name of science -- even in outer space. The
Many young campers have been... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Many young campers have been awakened by a rousing rendition of the chorus to "Arky
For too long, Christina remained... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
For too long, Christina remained silent. It might have been from her childhood that she
Once there was a cave... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Once there was a cave that lived in darkness underground, as you would expect a cave to
Tom was vaguely disturbed. He... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Tom was vaguely disturbed. He felt it all day, starting at the office. He thought for sure
Many people today are prisoners... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Many people today are prisoners. No, they are not living at a correctional facility, or in
As I write this, some... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
As I write this, some secret plans to blow up airplanes are making headlines. In contrast,
A story is told of... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
A story is told of the late King Hussein of Jordan. In the latter years of the king's reign,
Small or insignificant towns sometimes... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Small or insignificant towns sometimes produce legendary figures. Take the city of
What we learn during our... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
What we learn during our formative years can become a life lesson. Renee's father
The wise men presented gold... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
The wise men presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. Gold was a reminder of
The Chicago Triathlon is the... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2001
The Chicago Triathlon is the largest triathlon in the world.

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

Prayer

SermonStudio

The momentous witness of the wise men -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The momentous witness of the wise menGospel Note:
THE EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day The Magi were people of high resolution.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycles A and B; see
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Star -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1997
1. TextIn the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem
Star Miracle -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1991
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from t
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Free Access

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day The Magi were people of high resolution.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

SermonStudio

To God Be The Glory! -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
One of the most prolific songwriters of the nineteenth century was Fanny Crosby.
Ambassadors Of The Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
There is an ancient Christian story that speaks of a fourth wise man, Artaban, in his pursuit of the
Jesus Makes All The Difference -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our gospel reading for this Epiphany Sunday is a marvelous story about confrontation.
Walking In The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Walking in the dark is difficult, even in the familiarity of your own home.
Two For The Price Of One -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Today is an important day in the life of the world and the life of the church.
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
The Promise Of Sight -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
The Epiphany of our Lord never fails to arouse fascination for the story of the Visit of the Magi.
What A Star Can't Tell You -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- William G. Carter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
"Hi, Pastor! How are you?" She waved a glove from the other end of the parking lot.
From Crumbs To Half A Loaf -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
On a Boy Scout camping trip, the little group of scouts hiked up a mountainside and made camp for su
The Narrow Way Broadens Us -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- James H. Bailey -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1985
I grew up with the "anti-Epiphany heresy" that says being a Christian and being narrow are synonymou

Stories

StoryShare

Living in Hope -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
“I know they’ll come.” Mary shifted in her wheelchair but kept looking out the window.

SermonStudio

The Gospel By Starlight -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
The Magi Got A Gift, Too -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star ha
Tipping Etiquette -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
I don't frequent fine restaurants regularly, but occasionally I will visit an establishment that com
Seeing The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Much of my Christian experience has come through the "School of Hard Knocks," better known as prison
One Tiny Light -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
It's a strange phenomenon that scientists are surely able to explain.
Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John Steward -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Many years ago there was a play named Eagerheart.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
The light of truth is in the skies. Or it may be only a shadow.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6Theme: Witness To The Light
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:1-12Theme: Mystery Solved
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12Theme: Stopping For Directions
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: Tell The Good News Of What The Lord Has DoneCall To Worship
Look Around, See The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Look around, see the light.
Epiphany -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Green(January 6 to the Beginning of Lent)
The Light has come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
THE EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A crèche, or manger scene. Any size and style is fine as long as it includes shepherds. Have the creche set up before you begin.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (vv. 13-14)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 62:6-12
Isaiah proclaims, “Look, your savior comes.” We celebrate on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day the coming of our savior into the world – not as one full of power, but as a babe, vulnerable and human, as one born among us. Yes, God has great things in store for this babe, great lessons to teach us and for us to absorb as we watch this babe become a child and then a man. But in this quiet moment, this moment in a stable, born of indigent, immigrant parents, we see our own vulnerability portrayed in the Christ child.
Wayne Brouwer
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab stands peg-legged on the deck of the Pequod during a violent storm (chapter 119). His obsession with the White Whale has carried the craft and crew to exotic and frightening locales, and now it seems as if divine providence might be unleashing furious anger against this ill-fated quest.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell. As the demonic guests were departing, one laughed and grinned and sarcastically said to Satan, “Merry Christmas your majesty!” At that, Satan replied with a growl, “Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Today the focus is all about the Messiah and we need to be serious about it. It is the birth of the baby Jesus, the Messiah. It is the coming of God…the doctrine of incarnation. It is the intervention of God’s presence among humanity.
Stephen P. McCutchan
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
-- Psalm 96:13

Gregory L. Tolle
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
James Evans
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (v. 4).

Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The lectionary includes two sets of readings for Christmas Day: those appointed for dawn services, and those appointed for services that take place later in the day. Psalm 97 is designated as one of these early-morning readings.

William Powell Tuck
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy. But for many it is also a time for cynicism. There are some people for whom Christmas is difficult. It is a time of struggle, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. There are more suicides during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. A comment by a woman in a nursing home indicates the feeling of some: "No one really cares. No one cares about me now.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear as they made the arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Four words that make long journeys longer. Four words that strike terror in the hearts of parents of every time and every place. Four words from which even the youngest child seems to be able to craft a sentence: Are we there yet?

I am struck this year by the number of journeys the narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy entail:

* Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem;
Julia Ross Strope
Gathering music
Christmas medley

(Light the Christ candle.)

(Invite adults, children, and youth ahead of time to bring a favorite gift for a one-sentence show and tell.)

Greeting
Leader: Merry Christmas!

People: Merry Christmas!

Leader: Settle your Christmas gifts on the pew beside you and find the space within your minds and hearts to sing, pray, listen, and talk.
James R. Wilson


Call To Worship
Leader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our savior has been born!
People: Is our Messiah, the promised one, among us this day?
Leader: Surely I say unto you, Christ the Lord is with us even as we speak.
People: Are even sinners such as we welcome in Christ's kingdom?
Leader: Praise to the Lord God Almighty, for in Christ we are all welcome!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him. But a good man called Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body gently in his own grave, which he'd made ready for when he should die. After that the wicked people searched for Joseph of Arimathea, and so he ran away from Jerusalem carrying with him a special cup like this one, which contained some of Jesus's holy blood.

Special Occasion

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