Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Mark Ellingsen
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
The First Lesson is located in a book whose origins as a distinct part of the Old Testament derive from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Septuagint), which divided the story of Israel’s monarchy into four sections (1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings). There are probably two or three sources for the books: (1) early traditions about Samuel and Saul; (2) the work of an editor who molded material into a connected history, implying a critique of the events deeming kingship as a problem, and so must be set under the rule of God and his prophet Samuel; and (3) incorporating the previous strand into the more Deuteronomistic history (the result of sweeping religious reforms under King Josiah in 621 BC).
The First Lesson is located in a book whose origins as a distinct part of the Old Testament derive from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Septuagint), which divided the story of Israel’s monarchy into four sections (1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings). There are probably two or three sources for the books: (1) early traditions about Samuel and Saul; (2) the work of an editor who molded material into a connected history, implying a critique of the events deeming kingship as a problem, and so must be set under the rule of God and his prophet Samuel; and (3) incorporating the previous strand into the more Deuteronomistic history (the result of sweeping religious reforms under King Josiah in 621 BC).
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
In the mid-1990’s, Wendy’s restaurants had a promotion win which they would “biggie size” your drink, your meal, almost everything but the Frosty! Wendy’s decided to discontinue this promotion after getting some criticism from those who claim the fast-food industry was contributing to the nation’s obesity problem.
The idea behind the “biggie size” was to have the largest possible drink. The one who ordered it wanted to get the most out of it. “Biggie size” sought to grow the normal product into a bigger, better version of it. I don’t know if that worked out well for fries and drinks, but we find a couple of young men in scripture grew. They grew in stature and favor. Of course, we are talking about Samuel in this text and Jesus in...
In the mid-1990’s, Wendy’s restaurants had a promotion win which they would “biggie size” your drink, your meal, almost everything but the Frosty! Wendy’s decided to discontinue this promotion after getting some criticism from those who claim the fast-food industry was contributing to the nation’s obesity problem.
The idea behind the “biggie size” was to have the largest possible drink. The one who ordered it wanted to get the most out of it. “Biggie size” sought to grow the normal product into a bigger, better version of it. I don’t know if that worked out well for fries and drinks, but we find a couple of young men in scripture grew. They grew in stature and favor. Of course, we are talking about Samuel in this text and Jesus in...
The Nativity of our Lord - C
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. But Ahab is a fighter, and with clenched fists, amid the lightning bolts and against the raging thunder he yells a taunt at the Creator who chastens his cause: “I now know thee, thou clear spirit, and I now know that thy right worship is defiance.”
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.
Pause for a moment please and think about Mary and Joseph, new parents, with a baby resting in a manger, among the animals and the straw, in the chill of the evening. Pause for a moment and remember the infants you have know and...
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.
Pause for a moment please and think about Mary and Joseph, new parents, with a baby resting in a manger, among the animals and the straw, in the chill of the evening. Pause for a moment and remember the infants you have know and...
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
