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Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

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Children's Activity

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Amazing faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Teachers or Parents: The faith of the Roman centurion is an

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-7 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Response to the call -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- David Coffin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
All three of this week’s texts address how a person of faith responds to a calling God has given him
The changing landscape -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
With Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, Israel experienced a changing
The Pastoral Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark 3:20-35, Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
The God Who Saves -- Psalm 117, Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Sometimes I hear people talking as if God were some sort of tyrant who was forever either tempting u
Universalism Versus Exclusivism -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
The issue as to whether Yahweh was the God of Israel alone or the God of all the nations was always

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 8-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-7 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Key To Eternal Life -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus is the key to eternal life so put your faith in him
The Surprise Disciple -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Anna Shirey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Dear Galatians -- Galatians 1:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
How many of you have gotten a letter addressed just to you?
Amazing faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
This is a passport. If I were to travel to another country, I

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
How long will you go limping with two different opinions?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!"-- Psalm 96:10a
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Or am I still trying to please people?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Mystery -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
Theme Where does the faith for healing originate?Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2016) -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2013) -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Obviously most Americans... -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Obviously most Americans don't have Baal or one of the other gods of antiquity, but don't some make
The odds were... -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
The odds were against him. Four hundred and fifty to one!
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists have a strong and uncompromising belief in Jesus, many consider th
Comedian Stephen Wright... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Comedian Stephen Wright once claimed to have found the original axe that George Washington used to c
Our text is all about... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Our text is all about the fleeting character of human approval, how it all pales compared to God's w
In recent times... -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
In recent times during our ailing economy there has been an advertisement from an investment firm, p
A centurion was a Roman... -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
A centurion was a Roman, a hated outsider, but some tried to be friends and get along with those he
Helen Keller was born... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Helen Keller was born with the crushing handicaps of both blindness and deafness ‚--'' a helpl
Rules for Receiving Church Visitors... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Rules for Receiving Church Visitors:
One commentator on the prevailing... -- Luke 9:11-17 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
One commentator on the prevailing mood in the market place called the young people in business who a
Paul expresses his faith... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Paul expresses his faith in the Lord Jesus.
Living in Florida where... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Living in Florida where retirement and old age are more visible than in other parts of the cou
A generation ago, various books... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
A generation ago, various books and ceremonies pertaining to weddings, referred to marriage as a con
A cleric once bewailed the... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
A cleric once bewailed the fact that his people preferred the back pews in the sanctuary, leaving se
I am a church... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
I am a church person. I have been a church person all my life.
Solomon dedicated the newly-built... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Solomon dedicated the newly-built Temple in Jerusalem by praying to the Lord.
Few dramatic presentations of poetry... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Few dramatic presentations of poetry or prose surpass James Weldon Johnson's enactment of God's crea
In his book, I... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
In his book, Whom Shall I Send?, Watchman Nee writes: “Humility is not looking less at
Being a member of a... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Being a member of a traveling choir was a very educational experience.
It's imperative for a person... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
It's imperative for a person to develop good communication skills, if she desires to succeed in her
When Professor John Dumitru... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
When Professor John Dumitru of the Social Sciences department, Foothill College, Los Altos Hil

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

Prayer

SermonStudio

The power of faith -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The power of faithGospel Note:
Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, Psalm 100, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day True faith always finds itself in conflict with falsehood.
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Centurion's Servant -- Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 8:5-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Faith Miracle -- Luke 7:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Mugwumpers -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
In certain streams of Christianity, it is common to speak of people being "born again." The phrase c
An Uncomplicated Gospel -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Dear John,
Amazing Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Twice in Jesus' ministry, Jesus is flabbergasted.
What Outsiders Can Teach Us -- Luke 7:1-10 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Those of us ministers actively engaged in congregational worship don't get many opportunities to vis
The Dream -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
It was an October Monday morning.
Choosing To Believe -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Perhaps you recall recently when a burial box from the first century A.D.
Contemporary Prophets -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On March 24, 1980, Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass at a cancer hospital op
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
Too Peeved To Pray -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Paul did not pray! I know that it is difficult to believe, but Paul did not pray.
Make Up Your Mind! -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Why hasn't Hollywood made this into a major motion picture epic?
We Are Witnesses -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Billy D. Strayhorn -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Have you ever been afraid? Of course you have; we all have.
Changing A Paradigm -- Or Two -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1999
Paradigm is certainly a word that has received much usage these days, especially in management circl
Just Speak The Word -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Larry D. Powell -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
It is somewhere written down that many years ago a rider on horseback approached a group of soldiers

Stories

StoryShare

Too Good To Be True -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
Contents "Too Good To Be True" by Frank Ramirez
Following The Leader -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Contents"Following the Leader" by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

Choosing A God -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
For sheer drama, there is little in fact or fiction that can surpass the stories of Elijah in 1 King
Ray Of Hope< -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
The FIDO Effect -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
In the fall of 1940, the Battle of Britain was coming to a close.
A Prayer For Help -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia C. Joyce -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On May 3, 2002, I was engaged to narrate the historical Williamsburg tour.
The Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
A centurion was a Roman soldier in charge of 100 men; thus the name "centurion." These Roman soldier
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.

Worship

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Ordinary Time 9 / Pentecost 2 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10, Psalm 96 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Atonement, [sometimes called at-one-ment] takes place where men and women, races, classes, and na
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39Theme: The Right Way To Make Trouble
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:1-12Theme: Untouched By Human Hands
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:1-10Theme: Unmatched Faith
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Alone Is GoodCall To Worship
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10
God knows no equal! -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Proper 4 -- Psalm 100 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;
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

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
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.

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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