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Maundy Thursday - A

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Children's Activity

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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
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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