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Fourth Sunday of Advent (A)

Devotional

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Stephen P. McCutchan
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Water From the Well: Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Stephen P. McCutchan
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Water From the Well: Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Stephen P. McCutchan
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from Water From the Well: Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Stephen P. McCutchan
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Water From the Well: Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A

Drama

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John A. Tenbrook
Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Thespian Theology : Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert F. Crowley
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Scenes : 57 Vignettes For Cycle A

Preaching

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Dallas A. Brauninger
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Preaching the Miracles: Series II, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Elizabeth Achtemeier
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Preaching and Reading the Old Testament Lessons: With an Eye to the New
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Carlos Wilton
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook: Series VIII, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook: Series VII, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
James Evans
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from Hear My Voice: Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
E. Carver Mcgriff
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook : Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Dallas A. Brauninger
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Preaching The Miracles : Series II, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John R. Brokhoff
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook : Series IV
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John R. Brokhoff
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Preaching the Miracles : Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
George M. Bass
Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook : Series III, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Russell F. Anderson
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook : Series V, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
excerpted from THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002 :
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Jeff Wedge
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from A BUCKET FULL OF MIRACLES : Preaching The Miracles Of Jesus
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John R. Brokhoff
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Preaching Workbook : Cycle A, THIRD EDITION

Sermon

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Mark Wm. Radecke
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from God in Flesh Made Manifest: Cycle A Gospel Lesson Sermons For Advent, Christmas, And Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Paul E. Robinson
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Hope Beneath the Surface: Cycle A First Lesson Sermons for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from It's News To Me: Messages of Hope for Those Who Haven't Heard: Cycle A Gospel Sermons For Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Dallas A. Brauninger
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Holy Email: Cycle A Second Lesson Sermons for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John N. Brittain
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Sermons On The Second Readings : Series II, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Tony S. Everett
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Sermons On The First Readings : Series II, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Sermons On The Gospel Readings : Series II, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Stephen M. Crotts
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from A Long Time Coming: Cycle A First Lesson Sermons for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Timothy J. Smith
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Christmas Grace: Cycle A Second Lesson Sermons for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Frank Luchsinger
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Moving At The Speed Of Light : Second Lesson Sermons For Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
William B. Kincaid, III
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from And Then Came the Angel: Gospel Sermons For Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
R. Glen Miles
Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Between Gloom and Glory: First Lesson Sermons For Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert A. Beringer
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Something's Coming ... Something Great: Sermons For Advent, Christmas And Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John B. Jamison
Matthew 1:18-24
excerpted from Time's Up!: Sermons For Advent, Christmas And Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Joe E. Pennel, Jr
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from FROM ANTICIPATION TO TRANSFIGURATION : Sermons For Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John T. Ball
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Sermons On The First Readings : Series I, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Susan R. Andrews
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from SERMONS ON THE GOSPEL READINGS : Series I, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Sermons On The Second Reading : Series I, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Thomas E. Ridenhour, Sr.
Isaiah 7:10-17
excerpted from Promise of Peace, Call for Justice : SERMONS FOR ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY

Stories

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
David E. Leininger
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit: Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Timothy J. Smith
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit : Series II Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Constance Berg
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from LECTIONARY TALES FOR THE PULPIT : Series III, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Gregory L. Tolle
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit : Series IV, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
John E. Sumwalt
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Shining Moments : Visions Of The Holy In Ordinary Lives

Worship

Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Praying The Lectionary, Cycle A: Prayers of the Church
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Thom M. Shuman
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Aids, Cradled in God's Heart: Series VIII, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Workbook: Series III, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
H. Burnham Kirkland
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Aids: Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
H. Burnham Kirkland
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Aids: Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
H. Burnham Kirkland
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Aids: Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
H. Burnham Kirkland
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Aids: Series VI, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert S. Jarboe
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from More Services for the Advent Wreath: For Lectionary Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert S. Jarboe
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
excerpted from More Services for the Advent Wreath: For Lectionary Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert S. Jarboe
Isaiah 7:10-16
excerpted from More Services for the Advent Wreath: For Lectionary Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert S. Jarboe
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from More Services for the Advent Wreath: For Lectionary Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Robert S. Jarboe
Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from More Services for the Advent Wreath: For Lectionary Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Wayne H. Keller
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Workbook: Series II, Cycle A Gospel Texts
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
B. David Hostetter
Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS : Series III, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Dallas A. Brauninger
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from In the Beginning Was the Word: Scriptures For The Lectionary Speaking Choir, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Norman A. Beck
Psalm 24, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Scripture Notes : For use with Common, Lutheran and Roman Catholic Lectionaries
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Paul A. Laughlin
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 24, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS : Series II
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Heth H. Corl
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7
excerpted from LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS :
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Beverly S. Bailey
Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from Lectionary Worship Workbook: Series IV, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS : Series VII, Cycle A
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Dallas A. Brauninger
Matthew 1:18-25
excerpted from In the Beginning Was the Word: Scriptures For The Lectionary Speaking Choir, Cycle A

Related to Isaiah 7:10-16

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Related to Matthew 1:18-25

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Related to Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

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Related to Romans 1:1-7

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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