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Second Sunday after Christmas - C

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Children's Activity

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Not ordinary, but special -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Teachers: Today's Gospel lesson mentions the hometown people's surprise as Jesus speaks to them, not
The spark of life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Teachers: This is the first Sunday of the new year.

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ages 8-10 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ages 5-7 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Christ Is In Control -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Beginnings -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
On the first Sunday in the new year, a theme of beginnings seems very appropriate.
Aha! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:1-18, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Sometimes when I watch some Christians, I get the idea that they have a major spiritual affliction c
God Fulfills His Promises -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
From the promises of the Old Testament prophets (today’s selection is from Jeremiah) to the fulfillm

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ages 8-10 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ages 5-7 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Odd Bunch In The Street -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

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Seeing God! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[
No beginning or end -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Good morning, boys and girls. I'd like you to sit in a circle today.
Not ordinary, but special -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Good morning, boys and girls. You've all seen an egg before.
A new leaf -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Happy New Year, boys and girls. It's the first Sunday of the new year.
The spark of life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Good morning, boys and girls. Every year at the hospitals there is a kind of contest.
Jesus, God's Love Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
The Point: When we experience Jesus, we truly know God’s love

The Immediate Word

Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Spider's Web -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Christmas 2 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2022) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2016) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Who knows where faith will... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Who knows where faith will take root? Why in some soil, some lands more than others?
Do you believe Sirach 24:8... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Do you believe Sirach 24:8, "From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shal
A friend of mine traveled... -- Jeremiah 37:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
A friend of mine traveled to Nicaragua in the early 1980s before the U.S.
A visitor to the shop... -- Jeremiah 37:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
A visitor to the shop of a local potter was puzzled by one operation which seemed to have little pur
Do not deceive yourselves. We... -- Jeremiah 37:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
"Do not deceive yourselves." We can get into a lot of trouble with self-deception.
G. William Jones wrote a... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
G.
Kipling's classic story, Letting... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Kipling's classic story, Letting the Jungle In, tells of a group of people who went into the
Separation anxiety afflicts the lives... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Separation anxiety afflicts the lives of many people and with good reason because of negative childh
Glendon Harris* reported the tragic... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Glendon Harris* reported the tragic death of Alex Coffin, the son of the Rev.
As the persecution of the... -- Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
As the persecution of the Jews spread over Europe during World War II, there was a gigantic effort m
After Martin Luther made his... -- Matthew 2:13-15 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
After Martin Luther made his courageous stand at the Diet of Worms before the Holy Roman Emperor he
When the wicked King Herod... -- Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When the wicked King Herod discovered that a child had been born who was thought to be king of the J
In the movie, Robin... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
In the movie, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, Marian and Robin have just enjoyed a festive tim
When Sirach speaks of wisdom... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When Sirach speaks of wisdom he understands that as the gift of God which makes it possible to disti
Dr. E. Stanley Jones tells... -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dr. E.
A little boy once asked... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
A little boy once asked his mother to hang stretch-socks over the fireplace for Christmas.
There is an old proverb... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
There is an old proverb that reads, "When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt." Throughout
Wisdom was considered a highly... -- Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Wisdom was considered a highly prized gift by the people of Israel.
Paul gives thanks for the... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Paul gives thanks for the qualities shown by members of the congregation at Ephesus.
In his recent book, The... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
In his recent book, The Outsider, Howard Fast describes a scene where a young Jewish r
The relationship between fathers and... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
The relationship between fathers and sons in 19th-century England was rather formal, so when a young

The Immediate Word

Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Prayer

SermonStudio

The enlightening, enlivening Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The enlightening, enlivening WordGospel Note:
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPSing out your praises and say,GOD HAS SAVED HIS PEOPLE.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

SermonStudio

Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Jesus Christ is God's autobiography.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
This psalm was likely written for the people of Jerusalem after their return from exile (see vv.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (C, E)
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

SermonStudio

From Tragedy To Salvation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
On January 13, 1982, Washington DC and the surrounding area experienced a blizzard that paralyzed ev
The Hidden Gifts Of Christ -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
One Christmas morning, Dennis, Nancy, and their young son, Eric, were traveling south from San Franc
Fire! Fire! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
After this second Sunday of Christmas, the church will enter the season of Epiphany.
Never Just Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
"Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never harm me."
Christmas And The New Family -- John 1:1-18 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
When Wilbur and Orville Wright completed their historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on Dec
God's Benefactors -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Once when I returned home for a quick visit with my parents, an old friend unexpectedly dropped by t
The Children Of Promise -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
A serial killer is the object of a serious psychological study in the novel The Alienist by Caleb Ca
Light Of The World -- John 1:1-18 -- William G. Carter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
One of the striking features of the Gospel of John is the way it depicts the life and ministry of Je
A Secret Is Finally Revealed -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Picture an attractive mother, a handsome husband, and three lucky children.
The Gospel Of Christmas -- John 1:1-18 -- James T. Garrett -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1991
A wife gave her husband two ties for Christmas.
Mourning Turned To Joy -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1991
The 14th canticle from the Lutheran Book of Worship poetically summarizes Jeremiah 31:6-14:
The Shepherd Guards His Sheep -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- James H. Bailey -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1985
At Christmas time, the newspapers are filled with articles by psychiatrists addressing the problem o
Grace and Truth -- John 1:1-18 -- Roy C. Nichols -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1985
Since we have already considered the first fOurteen verses of this first chapter of John's Gospel, i

The Village Shepherd

The Word -- God's Message To Humanity -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
The twelve days of Christmas are nearly up. In a couple of days time it'll all be over.
The Lot Of The Chosen -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
I wonder how you start your day?
God The Father -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
I've recently read a novel called "Beach Music", by Pat Conroy.

Stories

StoryShare

The Arid Spaces In Your Life -- Psalm 147, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Contents “The Arid Spaces In Your Life” by Frank Ramirez
The Reassuring Word -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Keith Wagner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
Contents "The Reassuring Word" by Keith Wagner
Star Of Bethlehem -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
A Story to Live ByStar of Bethlehem by David E. Cobb

SermonStudio

God's Picture -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
An old story has it that a little boy was feeling very lonesome for his father.
A New Paradigm For Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, w
God's Resolutions -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Last year, I decided to get in better shape.
We Are God's Temple -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Karny runs. She runs marathons. She runs races. She runs for fun.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Let us awaken from the soul-crushing allures
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14Theme: Turnaround Is Fair Play
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14Theme: The Reading Of The Will
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 1:(1-9) 10-18Theme: True Confession
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
A Stronger Hand -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Christmas 2 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Matthew 25:31-46
In all seasons have faith -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!Praise your God, O Zion!
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
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A crèche, or manger scene. Any size and style is fine as long as it includes shepherds. Have the creche set up before you begin.

* * *

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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