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Maundy Thursday - A

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Serving others -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sharing the Table -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Fred Craddock once flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to speak at a church conference.
Just Love One Another -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
If your congregation(s) are typical for these United States, you’re possibly combining the Last Supp
The Lamb Of God -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
George MacDonald helps us understand the heart-tug of grace in his children’s tale known as “Papa’s
A world turned upside down -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
In 17th-century England, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell and his righteous Puritanism, Parli
A good meal -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
When traveling through a strange town many years ago, we stopped a pedestrian and asked her, "Where
I'll never forget that night ... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Years ago, a band called Lobo sang about an international memorable event. Describing
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The magnificence of the ordinary -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1999
Our arrival at Thursday in the week we call holy brings us face to face with the core of our faith.
Remember and act -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1996
Three actions -- the passing over of the houses of Israel while they hurriedly feast, the blessing o
The thief who gave nothing -- Maundy Thursday - A
We've never met, you and I.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Commands! -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John Jamison -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Object: A babysitter.
The Connection -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
There are many things in faith that only make sense if we understand the connection.
Doing The Unpleasant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
I have a surprise in my bag today but I'm not sure if any of you would like to see it. You see...
Do It to Be It -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Anna Shirey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no
Remembrance of me -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he come
Passing the story on -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you. (v. 23a)
Serving others -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around
Remember! -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening! I brought this picture to show you. It's a
Humble yourself -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening! On the night before he died, Jesus took a wash
A special meal -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good morning! I brought a birthday card with me this evening
A new rule -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
(Taking out the sheet of rules, start reading them off one-by-
Remember me -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening, boys and girls. (Have a string tied around a
Washing of feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Note: Prior to Maundy Thursday ask an adult to have his feet

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2020) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2014) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
This passage gives... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
This passage gives the historical reason and setting for the feast of the Passover.
But would grandma... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
But would grandma approve?
Famed modern theologian... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Famed modern theologian Karl Barth nicely sets the tone for celebrations of the Lord's Supper and of
Bishop William Quayle... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Bishop William Quayle (1860-1925) of the Methodist Episcopal church attended a communion service wit
A district superintendent... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
A district superintendent in the United Methodist church, along with a dozen other district superint
You can often tell... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
You can often tell where someone is from by the way they speak.
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
I can still remember going to the bank seven years ago with my wife to buy our home.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Country songs are really happy if you play them backward, some people say.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
In Billy Graham's daily devotional he was asked what is more important to God, our actions or the mo
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
A recent study by the Barna Group (www.barna.org) showed that you
Worship prepares us to recognize... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Worship prepares us to recognize and receive God's grace -- no matter the circumstances.
Here is the origin of... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Here is the origin of our Lord's table observances. Jesus later gave new significance to it,
The final plague for the... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
The final plague for the Egyptians, the death of the firstborn, was coming. All of the
The food on which he... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
The food on which he feeds us is bread: the ordinary stuff of life. Here is how it comes to
An adult education group was... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
An adult education group was meeting with the pastor to prepare themselves for
Janet was headed to the... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Janet was headed to the local church as she did almost every Thursday to attend an
Dr. Susan Coady of Ohio... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Dr. Susan Coady of Ohio University defines a tradition as something a family does, has
E. L. Doctorow's novel, The... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
E. L. Doctorow's novel, The March, is about General Sherman's "March to the
Controversies abound over the way... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Controversies abound over the way to determine the identity of Jesus' true standard

StoryShare

Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)

Preaching

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayIn Christ, we have nothing to fear: not even the night.
Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Maundy Thursday, Cycle B, for an alternative a
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Victory Feast -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

Loving Made Real -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
The lectionary gives us two types of traditional texts for our Maundy Thursday services over the spa
Remembering Then; Anticipating When -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Today is called Maundy Thursday by Christians throughout the world.
Looking Down on God -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
One of the most interesting accounts of a creative and surprising story was of a father and his thre
Brought Together And Sent Forth -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Lee Griess -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
There once was a majestic cathedral in Northern Europe that was known for its magnificent organ.
To Be Passed Over -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
This ancient story comes down the centuries to us with power.
The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
All Baked Into One Loaf -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
On Passion Sunday we took note of the work of Richard Fortey, an English paleontologist, who publish
For And Against -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Carrying On The Tradition -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
Tradition is an integral part of being human.
Go Love! -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
Say: "I Remember" -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
How good are you at remembering?
Wash Up First For The Meal Before You Eat! -- John 13:1-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
"People just do not take the Lord's supper as seriously as they should.
The Difference A Night Makes -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Theodore F. Schneider -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
I. A Memorial Forever
Receiving In Order To Give -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Maundy Thursday - A
According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus once said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 2

Stories

StoryShare

Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
A Waste of Time -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Contents “A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
In His Service -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Keith Wagner -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
Contents "In His Service" by Keith Wagner "Remembering" by Keith Wagner
Learning Humility -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Contents"Learning Humility" by Sandra Herrmann
Get Your Boots On -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Contents"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez, Bryan Meadows -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Upper Room -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
I've been there, the upper room, where this scripture is set.
Al Webster: The Gentle Giant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God
Being A Servant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Danny looked at the document. He was standing at his secretary's desk.

Worship

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
Offertory Prayer
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: In remembrance, we gatherAll: to be with the One
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
HymnsI Love The Lord, Who Heard My Cry (PH362, NCH511)
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Institution Of The Lord's SupperCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: Servant LeadershipCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet, and the New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
For this worship, use a small room for closeness that can be expanded easily to accommodate those wh
I Will Pay My Vows To The Lord -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship.
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Matthew 21:12-17 -- B. David Hostetter -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
The Matthew Passion Narrative Divided into Eleven Lessons for a Tenebrae Service with Holy Communion
God's Lamb, God's liberation -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 89, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: When the Synopticists (especially) depicted Jesus as celebrating the Seder meal wit
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Psalm 89:20-21, 24, 26, Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Norman A. Beck -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1986
What an interesting selection of texts we have for Maundy Thursday in Series A!

Free Access

Holy / Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: Servant LeadershipCall To Worship
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!

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