Login / Signup

New Year's Day - C

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The beginning of a new year is always a good
Sheep and goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Our society is very much divided into
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The difference in people is in their
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Talk about staying up late. Perhaps your

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

History Has Its Eyes On You! -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
In the musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, a paternal George Washington reminds the imp
Life Goes On -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
A man in his early sixties sits in front of his television set on New Year’s Eve, while drinking his
Cherish the name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
(Note: This commentary was originally published in 1996.)
A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A time to step back -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2015
New York Times columnist David Brooks has written a book titled The Road to Character
At the gate of the year -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's timing -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Another year has gone by as one awakens on New Year's Day.
Time after time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Every January 1 there is a sense of freshness.
What's new? -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
There is something strange about New Year's celebrations, if you think about it.
What you are not responsible for -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2007
'Tis the season to measure up, sum up, and own up. While most sanctuaries will not be
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
A new name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2000
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Luthe
Life beyond life -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
In Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, Alice encounters a sleeping giant.
First Lesson Focus -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

The Big Test! -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- John Jamison -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take you
'I'm Hungry' -- Jesus -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Arley K. Fadness -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
“...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of
Sheep or Goat? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Anna Shirey -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
First Thoughts
Crying game -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. (v. 4a)
The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is the first day of a brand new year.
A brand-new year -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Well, here we are in church on a Saturday
The end of time -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning and Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
No beginning and no end -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is New Year's Day but it is also a day
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Before people had clocks to keep time, they used
The whole alphabet -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Happy New Year! When I think of a whole new year that we are

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2022) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2019) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2017) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2015/2016) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2014) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
We like the good... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the good times, but we are not so sure about the bad times.
Thomas Cook is a name... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Thomas Cook is a name that is unknown to most of us; but we each live with his innovative and entrep
Suffering is not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Suffering is not something that we seek, but it does come to all people at times in life.
This text promises... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
This text promises a fresh start. That is so appropriate for the New Year celebration.
We like the glory... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the glory part. It's the judgment part that may give us a little concern.
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
What time is it? Maybe it is whatever time we make it to be!
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
There have been so many ways invented to keep track of time.
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This is not a text about making New Year's resolutions, but a description of the new reality God has
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alte
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2012) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Stories

StoryShare

Angel's Feet -- Psalm 148, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- David O. Bales -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
Contents “Angel’s Feet” by David O. Bales

SermonStudio

He Will Wipe Away Every Tear -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- New Year's Day - C -- 2003
In 1987, I came to Stowe, Vermont, for a visit with my mother, Maria Von Trapp.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- B. David Hostetter -- New Year's Day - C -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPWorship God, our Sovereign, with reverence for the majesty of
NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- B. David Hostetter -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 5
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Passion/Palm Sunday
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For April 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A small pillow or cushion, a bowl, and a jar.

NOTE: This is a simple role-play story. You will need one boy to play the role of Jesus, and one girl to play the role of Mary. Since these are not speaking roles, this may be an opportunity to have a child help who might be hesitant to do a more involved role.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
This is not the same old thing. This is something new. Isaiah tells us to forget the old standards of life and truth. Our God conquers, so no longer judge the old way. Paul in prison says pretty much the same thing. And in the first supper, which takes place in the home of Martha, with Mary, Jesus, and the newly resurrected Lazarus in attendance, we see the world turned upside down as well. Something new. Something new.

Isaiah 43:16-21
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 43:16-21

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (vv. 7-8)

The first time I saw one of the “He Gets Us” Jesus ads during the Super Bowl two years ago, I sat up and said to my wife, Jo, “This is great! I wonder who is sponsoring this.” When I found out who, and what their motives were, I was deeply disappointed.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with oil, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As we worship God today, may this whole church be filled with the fragrance of our prayers.

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice or appreciate beauty.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we resent the actions of others and are spiteful towards them.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own. (vv. 8b--12)
Schuyler Rhodes
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luster. A 1932 Ford Victoria Coupe, rumbling down the road brings a thrill. The rust has been cleaned off, the torn upholstery replaced, and missing windows have been installed. It is a work of art. It is also a work of love. Such restoration projects, as anyone involved in them can attest, are not for the weak of heart. Restoring a classic automobile requires painstaking attention to detail and the patience of Job.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Worship is a blessed waste of time.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 43:16-21
A New Thing
Donald Charles Lacy
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us. We scratch our heads and wonder if what we are experiencing is fact or fiction. It may or may not be a time of inspiration. However, it may be one of instruction, as we view it in retrospect. You and I are to remember that every occurrence may very well be a teaching event.

David Kalas
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Trophy. Voted on by over 800 media members, the Heisman is awarded to the most outstanding college football player during that season. Past recipients have included such notables as Roger Staubach, Marcus Allen, and Barry Sanders. It is a great honor, and it represents the broad and non-partisan recognition of a player's outstanding season.
Julia Ross Strope
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
If you succeed in judging yourself, it is because you are truly wise.
(The king on a planet to the prince)
-- Saint Exupery, The Little Prince

Call To Worship
Leader: You're here! Winter seems displaced by the new growth of spring. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent -- with one more to come: Palm Sunday.

(Candles counting the Sundays in Lent can be lighted.)

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL