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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Moving day -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Materials:Thin ribbonRound lollipops
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
God watches over us -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Today's lesson has some difficult things to share with children.
Follow God's directions -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: We would all like our children to
Popular John -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: Bring a newspaper or news magazine.
Going with God -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: Travel is likely to be part of the
Warned In A Dream -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Today's story gives students a chance to act out the
Hometown pride -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Materials:Hangers String Construction paper Markers

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What Do We Do with Jesus? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
A friend once explained it like this: in a dream, he saw a marvelous apparatus of yellow silk billow
Cost of Deliverance (COD) -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
In my early years of ministry, I took this Sunday off, and let the supply preacher worry about these
God's love and trust in us -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Christmas season is over in the secular world.
In praise of praise -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Our English word "carol" emerged from the public celebrations of late Medieval France.
Trapped in stained glass -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I love stained glass. I grew up in churches that were very traditional, older structures, and
Rock-solid change -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
As the end of the old year draws near, and as the dawn of a new year begins to break, we think about
Vulnerable Savior -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
It is only two days after Christmas.
The suffering children -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
When a bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City earlier this year there was an outpourin
The price of loving! -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Galatians 4:4-7, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Now come the bills! Christmas is a time of exhilarating gift giving.
Search and preserve mission -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," says the bumper sticker.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

A Father's Story -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Whose Plans? -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Object: Ideally, find a big map of the Holy Land to show where Mary and Joseph trav
Trusted Advice -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Children are at a stage in life where they are told to do all kinds of things.
Instant Obedience -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2017
How many of you have a dog?  Have you ever tried to teach your dog some tricks?  Isn't it amazing ho
Moving On -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Anna Shirey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
First Thoughts
Likewise -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Moving day -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophe
Brothers and sisters -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt. (v. 14a)
Brothers and sisters -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt. (v. 14a)
We're free! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning! I cut this notice out of the paper to show
Follow God's directions -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning! In the Gospel reading today, we heard about
Family! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
I brought this family picture album with me this morning to
Going with God -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Have any of you ever gone to a foreign country? (Let them
A child of God -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
I brought this family picture album with me this morning to
Hebrews 2:10-18 -- In God we trust -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning, boys and girls. I have three coins in my hands.
Galatians 4:4-7 -- Part of God's family -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to show you a photograph
Pleasant dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning, boys and girls. This morning I brought my
Angels are God's messengers -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Christmas Day may be over, but the Christmas season is still here.

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr

Free Access

Trusted Advice -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Children are at a stage in life where they are told to do all kinds of things.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Refugees -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Joe shivered and cuddled up against his young wife, now sleeping at last with the baby held secu

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely; and he became their
Christmas 1 -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
...
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2019) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2013) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Isaiah 63:7-9
When the United States... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
When the United States occupied the Philippines in the 1890s, Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem that prom
Recently my wife... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Recently my wife came home from a ladies Bible study and related this story of mistaken compassion.
The Sunday after... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Sunday after Christmas is calculated to be a bit of a "downer" compared to the Christmas festiva
If we are suffering... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
If we are suffering in any way, it can help to know that God's only son was sent to suffer for us.
The war between... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The war between Austria and Piedmont, which erupted in April 1859, was one of the bloodiest ever rec
Finding something... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Finding something spiritually meaningful in the Holy Family's fleeing to Egypt is a tall order.
William McCumber says... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
William McCumber says that the men in this section of the scripture are "unwise men." These religiou
NULL -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Isaiah 63:7-9
NULL -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As a young vaudeville actor Bob Hope found himself alone each Christmas.
NULL -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Mothers, this is for you.
NULL -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
There is a common expression about "walking a mile in someone else's shoes." It even found its way i
NULL -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
"So you understand the roaring wave of fear that swept through the greatest city in the world just a
NULL -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
In Matthew's text today, however, Joseph seems to do a lot based on dreams.
In Ken Follett's The Pillars... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
In Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, the monk, Remigius, has been a
People sometimes come up with... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
People sometimes come up with some strange ideas about Jesus as companion and friend.
Isaiah demonstrates the difference between... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Isaiah demonstrates the difference between ordinary folks and the extraordinary. It's also
There's a story that comes... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
There's a story that comes out of the West Indies during the time of slavery. At one

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra

StoryShare

A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle B; Christmas 1, Cycle C; an
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
By specifying this text on the first Sunday after Christmas -- that day so often called "low Sunday,
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
The First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 (C)
God enters the human family and leads us through suffering to salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C, L)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E); Isaiah 63:7-9 (C, L)
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
The Horror Before The Blessing -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
A few years ago, a woman wrote in exasperation to the editor of her newspaper.
Restoration Frustration -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Here we are gathered together a few days after Christmas.
Not What You Expected -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Some years ago, my wife and I took a group of students on a short-term mission trip to Belize, the o
The Incarnation: What And Why? -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus.
The Rest Of The Story -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Just five days later, the needles are falling, the poinsettias are drooping, and the cookies are sta
A Worldly Salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
In the early 1960s, John A. T.
One Born Among Us -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Have you ever noticed the importance children play in history?
Why, God? Enough Is Enough -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Endurance
The Power Of A Dream -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Do you dream? Do you remember your dreams?
Reclaiming The Past, Proclaiming The Future -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- R. Glen Miles -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
What do you do when you need to pick yourself up and move forward into a difficult situation?
Been There, Done That -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
We can thank Mountain Dew for throwing one more cliché on the heap of cutesy phrases.
We Know Exactly How You Feel, Jesus -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Frank Luchsinger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Oh, Christmas has come and gone, but its scent lingers: spiced cider, evergreen, bayberry candles,
Divine Naivete -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Paul E. Robinson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
If you ask a child for his favorite Christmas carol, you'd better be ready!
Holy Love And Herod's Love -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
You must understand something about Herod the Great before you can understand what caused him to kil
Enough! -- Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- John B. Jamison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
There are many things that could be said about this passage. It is an amazing story.
What Is God Like? -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
There is an old story about a little girl who was one day drawing a picture.

Free Access

The Horror Before The Blessing -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
A few years ago, a woman wrote in exasperation to the editor of her newspaper.

Stories

StoryShare

A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
A Life-Saving Monkey -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; fo
Protecting The Good -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- John Fitzgerald -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Contents"Protecting the Good" by John Fitzgerald* * * * * * *
God With Us -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Contents "Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
Have You Seen Any Eskimos Lately? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Ron Lavin, Fanny Lee Seville -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week
God's Filling Me -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
StoryShare Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt

SermonStudio

When Evil Seems To Win -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
"Peace on earth." Ha! Even in the Christmas story, it doesn't last long.
Warnings -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Vickie Eckoldt
Identifying With Suffering -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Christmas Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Jeff and Cheryl had a dream. Actually they had the same dream.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Greeting And Opening Litany P: Brothers and sisters, we gather on this day
Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: All God's people -- boys and girls, women and men,
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
HymnsO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (CBH110, NCH42, UM57)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Saving Acts In HistoryCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- One With UsCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Holy FamilyCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Psalm 8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Birth and Escape -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
The Community Acknowledges God's Presence
First Sunday After Christmas (Holy Family) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9Theme: Saving PresenceCall To Worship
The Escape To Egypt And The Return From Egypt -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- B. David Hostetter -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God's saving presence -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 111, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: This passage is a typical introduction for a psalm of intercession in that it prefa
Jesus leads us to salvation -- Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
CHRISTMAS 1 -- Psalm 111, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
The emphasis in most of the texts selected for this occasion is on the responsibilities of God as Fa
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

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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.

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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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