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Hebrews 2:10-18

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What Do We Do with Jesus? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
A friend once explained it like this: in a dream, he saw a marvelous apparatus of yellow silk billow
Cost of Deliverance (COD) -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
In my early years of ministry, I took this Sunday off, and let the supply preacher worry about these
God's love and trust in us -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Christmas season is over in the secular world.
In praise of praise -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Our English word "carol" emerged from the public celebrations of late Medieval France.
Trapped in stained glass -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I love stained glass. I grew up in churches that were very traditional, older structures, and
Rock-solid change -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
As the end of the old year draws near, and as the dawn of a new year begins to break, we think about
Vulnerable Savior -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
It is only two days after Christmas.
Humanity and Divinity -- Psalm 111, Hebrews 2:10-18, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
As has been observed in one of the lessons, the discussion of JesusÕ humanity and divinity seems nev
Search and preserve mission -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," says the bumper sticker.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

CSSPlus

Likewise -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Brothers and sisters -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the
Brothers and sisters -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the
We're free! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning! I cut this notice out of the paper to show
Family! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
I brought this family picture album with me this morning to
Angels are God's messengers -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Christmas Day may be over, but the Christmas season is still here.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2019) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2013) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Isaiah 63:7-9
If we are suffering... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
If we are suffering in any way, it can help to know that God's only son was sent to suffer for us.
NULL -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Isaiah 63:7-9
NULL -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
There is a common expression about "walking a mile in someone else's shoes." It even found its way i
There's a story that comes... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
There's a story that comes out of the West Indies during the time of slavery. At one
The military is very quick... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
The military is very quick to refer to comrades in arms as brothers. Band of
Justine dreads going to the... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Justine dreads going to the store where she works at the mall the days following
In Christianity's early days, the... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
In Christianity's early days, the slaughter of the babies (regarded as the first Christian
Most professional sports teams like... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Most professional sports teams like to have a mix of younger and older players. A team
There's a story that comes... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
There's a story that comes out of the West Indies during the time of slavery.
The military is very quick... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
The military is very quick to refer to comrades in arms as brothers.
Justine dreads going to the... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Justine dreads going to the store where she works at the mall the days following Christmas.
In Christianity's early days, the... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
In Christianity's early days, the slaughter of the babies (regarded as the first Christian martyrs)
In a recent study of... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 2001
In a recent study of pastors able to turn congregations around it was noted that there was a common
Traditions are important. They help... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 2001
Traditions are important.
Sometimes a new legend takes... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 2001
Sometimes a new legend takes on a life of its own. Star Trek seems to be one of those.
The first thing Jesus did... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 2001
The first thing Jesus did after his baptism was to go off into the wilderness.
Sheila Cassidy, a missionary in... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 2001
Sheila Cassidy, a missionary in Chile, was arrested and spent three weeks in solitary confinement an
To be human means to... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- 1998
To be human means to suffer. The time after Christmas can be a depressing and difficult time.

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
The First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 (C)
God enters the human family and leads us through suffering to salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C, L)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E); Isaiah 63:7-9 (C, L)
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
Not What You Expected -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Some years ago, my wife and I took a group of students on a short-term mission trip to Belize, the o
The Incarnation: What And Why? -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus.
Why, God? Enough Is Enough -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Endurance
We Know Exactly How You Feel, Jesus -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Frank Luchsinger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Oh, Christmas has come and gone, but its scent lingers: spiced cider, evergreen, bayberry candles,

The Village Shepherd

Addicted? Not Me! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Christmas is a great time in this country.

Stories

StoryShare

Protecting The Good -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- John Fitzgerald -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Contents"Protecting the Good" by John Fitzgerald* * * * * * *
God With Us -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Contents "Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
Have You Seen Any Eskimos Lately? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Ron Lavin, Fanny Lee Seville -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week
God's Filling Me -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
StoryShare Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt

SermonStudio

Identifying With Suffering -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Greeting And Opening Litany P: Brothers and sisters, we gather on this day
Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: All God's people -- boys and girls, women and men,
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
HymnsO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (CBH110, NCH42, UM57)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- One With UsCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas (Holy Family) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9Theme: Saving PresenceCall To Worship
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- B. David Hostetter -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God's saving presence -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 111, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: This passage is a typical introduction for a psalm of intercession in that it prefa
Jesus leads us to salvation -- Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
CHRISTMAS 1 -- Psalm 111, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
The emphasis in most of the texts selected for this occasion is on the responsibilities of God as Fa
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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