Login / Signup

Ruth 1:1-18

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

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

How Much I Love You -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Young children are often fascinated by the effort to quantify love.
There's Always Somebody to Help -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
Ruth 1:1-18
Values clarification -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2018
Note: Because of a scheduling error, we are highlighting this commentary from 2006 by David Kala
Locating the heart -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
The Q&A is familiar.
'And I mean to be one too' -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Today is All Saints Sunday.
Values clarification -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
Sometimes in conversation with friends, we will amuse ourselves -- or torment ourselves
A story for mean-spirited times -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1994
In the decade of the 50s, when one biblical epic after another came out of Hollywood, 20th Century F

Children's sermon

Free Access

The Courage to Welcome the Foreigner -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
For November 3, 2024:

The Immediate Word

Are We There, Yet? -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
For October 31, 2021:
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
Ruth 1:1-18

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2024) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2021) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2018) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2018
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2015) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
There is a saying: "Mind your thoughts for they become words.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
When we lived in Nepal there were families being torn apart by intermarriage.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) in July 2012 cast her 5,000th consecutive vote in the Senate.
In WWII, Nora Lam's family... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
In WWII, Nora Lam's family fled from Japanese-occupied China. After 37 days and
The journey from Moab to... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
The journey from Moab to Bethlehem was no small undertaking, especially for an elderly
Some unknown writer left these... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
Some unknown writer left these beautiful words about friendship:
Most pastors cringe when a... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
Most pastors cringe when a couple comes to get married and requests this scripture to be
One California insurance company is... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1994
One California insurance company is now offering policies to cover wedding ceremonies.
Dr. Joseph Sittler made the... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1994
Dr. Joseph Sittler made the following statement in his book Grace Notes And Fragments.
Large was his bounty, and... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1994
"Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere,Heaven did a recompense as largely send:
Naomi was perhaps a very... -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1994
Naomi was perhaps a very conventional Israelite woman -- she saw her place as being with her people

StoryShare

Wait! Who Wrote That? -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!

Free Access

The Courage to Welcome the Foreigner -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
For November 3, 2024:

The Immediate Word

Are We There, Yet? -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
For October 31, 2021:
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...

Preaching

Free Access

The Courage to Welcome the Foreigner -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
For November 3, 2024:

The Immediate Word

Are We There, Yet? -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
For October 31, 2021:
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayThere's always somebody to help.
Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day In Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God is near at hand.
Proper 26 (C, E) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 1:1-18 (C)
Getting back to the basics -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Getting back to the basics, to love God with one's entire being and to love the
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
This is the first of two selections from the book of Ruth. The
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
The very numbering of the Sundays reminds every pastor that the end of the Pentecost cycle/season is
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
The very numbering of the Sundays reminds every pastor that the end of the Pentecost cycle/season is
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

Free Access

The Courage to Welcome the Foreigner -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
For November 3, 2024:

The Immediate Word

Are We There, Yet? -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
For October 31, 2021:
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...

SermonStudio

Your God Shall Be My God -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
Like the short story that gave structure to the book of Job, so the book of Ruth is considered to be
An Odd Couple -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
An Odd Couple
Blessing Revealed -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
"Trouble comes in threes," so many people say.
The Tale Of Three Women -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Ruth, what a remarkable book.
From Singleness To Solidarity -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Zan W. Holmes, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
The book of Ruth is one of the world's most beautiful stories of human solidarity in the face of tro
A Faith, A Farm And A Family -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- John P. Rossing -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
John Denver wrote a song 20 years ago about wanting to get away from the big city to a place in the

Stories

StoryShare

Wait! Who Wrote That? -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!
Living Within Limits -- Ruth 1:1-18, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2018
Contents “Living Within Limits” by Keith Wagner
Devotion -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
Contents "Devotion" by Sandra HerrmannDevotion
How Sharp Are Your Knives? -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- C. David Mckirachan, Lamar Massingill -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Contents"How Sharp Are Your Knives?" by C. David McKirachan
The Scribe -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
I Shall Always Be Near You -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "I Shall Always Be Near You"
Innocent Until Proven Guilty -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Terry Cain -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

SermonStudio

A Wonderful Mother (-In-Law) -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
You have heard the classic definition of mixed emotions: watching your mother-in-law drive off a cli
Where You Go, I Will Go -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Riley loved her family. She was very close to her parents and sisters and brothers.

Worship

Free Access

The Courage to Welcome the Foreigner -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
For November 3, 2024:

The Immediate Word

Are We There, Yet? -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
For October 31, 2021:
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...

SermonStudio

Theme: Life In A Dead End -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship One: Life is filled with sorrows.All:
Faithfulness -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Secure -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Naomi And Ruth -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
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

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For January 5-6, 2025:
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For January 5-6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A large paper bag with candy or stickers inside, depending on what you are comfortable giving your children.

Note: When the child reaches into the bag, quickly squeeze or shake the bag and make a noise to surprise them. The goal is just to surprise them, not scare them. Have fun with this!

* * *
John Jamison
Object: A small candle and a bright flashlight. If you have a really bright flashlight, just shine it in the children’s direction, and not directly into their eyes.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Today’s story is about Jesus. But I need to warn you that the story may sound a little confusing when I tell it to you.

One day, a man named John was writing to people to tell them about Jesus, and this is what he wrote. He said:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Isaiah 60:1-6
David Coffin
An upper middle-aged man is politely led out of the factory where he works by both the union and management representatives into mandatory early retirement. The company wants to hire two employees at a lower rate of pay rather than pay this skilled worker for the thirty years of seniority that he earned through days of sweat and toil.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Frank Ramirez
Just when you thought the holidays were over, when the last of the holiday snacks, Chex Mix and cookies and the fruit in the basket that arrived in the mail, were finally eaten, New Year’s celebrated and the football games turned off for the moment, and things are almost back to normal — along comes a late Christmas card, with its traditional picture of shepherds and kings and angels and cows and sheep and the light shining out of the manger, a tried and true quotation from scripture or a reference to a Christmas carol, and a swiftly penned greeting from an old friend, to make it all real agai

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth
and thick darkness the peoples,
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
(vv. 1-2)
Frank Ramirez
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth…a great company, they shall return here (Jeremiah 7:8).

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

When Jesus came, many people failed to recognise him. As we worship him today let us try to recognise him in each other.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

John 1:10-18

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!
-- Psalm 147:20

Constance Berg
Karny runs. She runs marathons. She runs races. She runs for fun. Karny loves to run because it reminds her that she is alive. Alive to feel the ocean breeze near her house. Alive to feel the gentle pain in her legs after a good ten-mile run. She is grateful for her life because she was so close to losing it.
Richard A. Jensen
The focus in Matthew 1 was on names. Name after name after name culminating in THE Name: Jesus! In Matthew 2 there is a focus on places. The first place mentioned is Bethlehem. Matthew begins his birth story by simply telling us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. In the course of the story the Magi come from the east looking for the city in which the "child of the star" was to be found. Herod didn't know. The chief priests and scribes looked it up. Bethlehem!
John T. Ball
Today is an important day in the life of the world and the life of the church. In the northern hemisphere this is the first day of the New Year. Last night many of us celebrated the eve of this New Year -- noisily or somberly. Noisy types went out to dinner and danced until our feet grew weary. We counted down the last seconds of the old year, and wildly greeted one another with shouts, drinks, hugs, kisses, and fireworks. Then we sang the traditional lines of Robert Burn's poem, "Auld Lang Syne," and went home.
Mary S. Lautensleger
Walking in the dark is difficult, even in the familiarity of your own home. Furniture has a way of rearranging itself in the dark so that you can whack your shins a little easier. Small, sharp toys crawl out from their hiding places to park themselves in your path. Your dog or cat is stretched out on the carpet, sleeping blissfully until your foot makes contact with a tail or a paw.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
One Christmas morning, Dennis, Nancy, and their young son, Eric, were traveling south from San Francisco to their home in Los Angeles. They had spent Christmas Eve with relatives in the Bay Area, but both parents had to work the next day, thus, it was necessary to travel on Christmas. About noon, Dennis and Nancy decided they were hungry so they stopped at a local diner for lunch. Naturally, because it was Christmas, the restaurant was nearly empty and Eric, their young son, was the only child in the restaurant.

Steven E. Albertin
"Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never harm me."

There has never been a bigger lie that has ever been so widely perpetuated. A friendly playground game erupts into a fight and insults fill the air. One of the combatants defiantly shouts, "Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never harm me." Even though such words attempt to minimize the harm inflicted by such insults, in fact they reveal just the opposite. These words have wounded him deeply.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL