First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII Cycle C
Seasonal Theme
The Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Theme For The Day
The maturing of Jesus from a sentimental infant in a Bethlehem manger to a savior here in the midst of our congregation.
Old Testament Lesson
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Hannah Is Blessed
Each year Hannah and Elkanah would visit their son Samuel, who served in the temple at Shilo, modern Sielam, wearing a linen ephod. This was the traditional dress for one serving in the worship. Mother Hannah would bring new clothing to her son and thus receive a blessing from Eli for her generosity. Evidently the blessing of more children worked, as Hannah had five more! And that is what this story is about. A favored wife who remained childless and was derided by the other wife who was fertile. Not to be able to produce children, especially sons, was a very difficult situation for a woman in those days.
While not a part of the reading "The Song of Hannah" (1 Samuel 2:1-1) is a beautiful one and may be the basis of the "Song of Mary" (Luke 1:46-55). And, of course, verse 2:26 sounds very much like our Gospel passage today (Luke 2:40). In verse 26 Samuel is pictured in contrast to the evil sons, as he is favored by God.
New Testament Lesson
Colossians 3:12-17
Clothed In Grace
Paul begins by using three precious words used by the Jews: chosen of God, holy, and beloved. The Jews themselves are God's chosen people, a holy (hagios) nation, and loved by God. The words which follow are easy to understand. Barclay defines them further.
1. Compassion: a heart of pity.
2. Kindness: wine which has grown mellow with age. The virtue of the person whose neighbor's good is as dear to them as their own.
3. Meekness: (praotes) self-controlled because he is God controlled. This is my favorite New Testament word. It seems to mean strength and sweetness combined for gentleness.
4. Patience: (makrothumia) Never losing heart with one's fellow person.
5. To these garments with which we Christians are to clothe ourselves, Paul adds Love (v. 14). Here is the glue which holds us together in an unbreakable fellowship.
6. Peace: (v. 15) The word here for "rule in your heart" is the same word for "umpire." It's an athletic word. So Paul is recommending that we let peace be the unique content of our hearts. It will preach!
Notice in verse 16 the very early church was a singing church. Our Christian thankfulness has always been offered in praise to God.
Verse 17 gives us a worthwhile test for Christian behavior: Would we do it in the presence of the Christ?
The Gospel
Luke 2:41-52
The Boy Jesus In The Temple
Right on the heels of the birth narrative we have Jesus going to his first Passover and becoming a man at the age of twelve. It was similar to our rite of confirmation. Probably Joseph thought him with Mary and Mary thought him with Joseph. The men and women usually traveled separately with the women starting out earlier and traveling more slowly.
Jesus' answer to his parents is interesting. It sounds as if this may be when he began to realize who he really was. Still, he did not "lord it over" his parents. At his baptism, Jesus later became fully aware of his unique son-ship -- but that awareness surely began to dawn on him here.
Notice again the similarity of verse 52 and the Old Testament verse in 1 Samuel 2:26.
Preaching Possibilities
Because this is the Christmas season and the First Sunday after Christmas we'll need to continue the story of Jesus' birth by growing him, using the Gospel of Luke for today.
A. However, the New Testament Lesson is rich for proclamation and would easily stand alone under the theme: "The Perfect Christian Wardrobe." You might begin by mentioning that on Christmas Eve we heard that Jesus was born and then wrapped in swaddling cloths. After we are "reborn" into the faith, what ought we, according to Saint Paul, be clothed in?
B. Or we could connect the Samuel story and the Jesus story by using the two very similar verses: Luke 2:52 and 1 Samuel 2:26. They both loved God and other humans as they matured physically and spiritually.
C. There are also three liturgical days right after Christmas which make for interesting biographical preaching:
December 26
Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
December 27
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
December 28
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
D. If you wanted to do a completely topical sermon you might use the title: "After Christmas Hangover," which might relate well in our culture. One could talk about how some may have the effects of their Christmas celebration still with them, like bills coming due and perhaps a headache from too much to drink. Then move to what we ought still to have a hangover from: the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph saw the obligation to grow Jesus in their faith. We might use Paul's advice to the Colossians to put on a Christian wardrobe. It all has to do with maturing the tiny baby Jesus like Samuel had to mature also.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Move to reviewing the celebration of Jesus' birth last week.
B. Now move to the story in the Gospel and tell it in your own words if it has already been read from the Bible.
C. Move to the task before us to grow Jesus up, just like Mary and Joseph's task. We also must get him out of the manger as a baby and into our hearts as a savior. Eli had to do it for Hannah and Elkanah's son Samuel, and Paul described in the New Testament Lesson the kind of clothing we ought to put on if we "grow up" our Christian faith.
D. Move to the fact of the similarity of 1 Samuel 2:26 and Luke 2:52. Call attention that Samuel's and Jesus' maturity both called for not only loving God but also loving other people. The Christmas infant is growing!
E. Tell one of the metaphors or stories below.
F. Move to what you believe this all means for your congregation and ministry: in youth ministry and Christian education, in social ministry, in stewardship and evangelism.
G. Frame your sermon by returning to the celebration last week of the birth of Jesus and move to Mary and Joseph finding him in the Temple -- we join them also in maturing the baby to an adult savior.
Prayer For The Day
Help us, dear Holy Parent, to move the Christmas infant Jesus out of the manger, and into our hearts as a savior. Just like Samuel and Jesus grew up, help us to love you and love all sorts of people as they did. Bless all parents here today that they might have guidance from you in their holy responsibilities of parenting. And show us the way as your congregation to become a people of mature faith confident of Jesus in our midst. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
I never could put my heart into preaching about the time Mary and Joseph left Jesus in Jerusalem after Passover. Why didn't they keep a closer watch on their twelve-year-old son? Then, when pastor of First Lutheran Church, Tiffin, Ohio, my wife and I did the same thing! Our little daughter, Bethany, was left at the church as I drove home thinking my wife had taken her. Somehow after that, this story in the Gospel of Luke took on a new relevancy!
A favorite story at St. John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht wanted to let a doll down from the chancel ceiling and into a manger in front of the altar. He was preaching and gave the signal to Pastor Louis Piehl, who stood to the side with a fishing rod and reel, to let the baby Jesus down. All went well until Piehl ran out of line about one foot short of the baby being at rest in the manger. Finally Valbracht came out of the pulpit and pushed the doll into the manger, which pulled Piehl out into the chancel. He ran back to the wings, which pulled the baby back in the air, and so on! How many secular forces try to keep the baby from coming again this year!
Letty Cottin Pogrebia in Growing Up: "Don't be the man you think you should be; be the father you wish you had."
Parenthood is an awesome responsibility and a godly act.
In 1522 the great reformer Martin Luther preached on married life and said, "God lays souls into the lap of married people, souls begotten from their own bodies on which they may practice all Christian works. For when they teach their children the Gospel, parents are certainly their apostles, bishops, and ministers."
The Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Theme For The Day
The maturing of Jesus from a sentimental infant in a Bethlehem manger to a savior here in the midst of our congregation.
Old Testament Lesson
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Hannah Is Blessed
Each year Hannah and Elkanah would visit their son Samuel, who served in the temple at Shilo, modern Sielam, wearing a linen ephod. This was the traditional dress for one serving in the worship. Mother Hannah would bring new clothing to her son and thus receive a blessing from Eli for her generosity. Evidently the blessing of more children worked, as Hannah had five more! And that is what this story is about. A favored wife who remained childless and was derided by the other wife who was fertile. Not to be able to produce children, especially sons, was a very difficult situation for a woman in those days.
While not a part of the reading "The Song of Hannah" (1 Samuel 2:1-1) is a beautiful one and may be the basis of the "Song of Mary" (Luke 1:46-55). And, of course, verse 2:26 sounds very much like our Gospel passage today (Luke 2:40). In verse 26 Samuel is pictured in contrast to the evil sons, as he is favored by God.
New Testament Lesson
Colossians 3:12-17
Clothed In Grace
Paul begins by using three precious words used by the Jews: chosen of God, holy, and beloved. The Jews themselves are God's chosen people, a holy (hagios) nation, and loved by God. The words which follow are easy to understand. Barclay defines them further.
1. Compassion: a heart of pity.
2. Kindness: wine which has grown mellow with age. The virtue of the person whose neighbor's good is as dear to them as their own.
3. Meekness: (praotes) self-controlled because he is God controlled. This is my favorite New Testament word. It seems to mean strength and sweetness combined for gentleness.
4. Patience: (makrothumia) Never losing heart with one's fellow person.
5. To these garments with which we Christians are to clothe ourselves, Paul adds Love (v. 14). Here is the glue which holds us together in an unbreakable fellowship.
6. Peace: (v. 15) The word here for "rule in your heart" is the same word for "umpire." It's an athletic word. So Paul is recommending that we let peace be the unique content of our hearts. It will preach!
Notice in verse 16 the very early church was a singing church. Our Christian thankfulness has always been offered in praise to God.
Verse 17 gives us a worthwhile test for Christian behavior: Would we do it in the presence of the Christ?
The Gospel
Luke 2:41-52
The Boy Jesus In The Temple
Right on the heels of the birth narrative we have Jesus going to his first Passover and becoming a man at the age of twelve. It was similar to our rite of confirmation. Probably Joseph thought him with Mary and Mary thought him with Joseph. The men and women usually traveled separately with the women starting out earlier and traveling more slowly.
Jesus' answer to his parents is interesting. It sounds as if this may be when he began to realize who he really was. Still, he did not "lord it over" his parents. At his baptism, Jesus later became fully aware of his unique son-ship -- but that awareness surely began to dawn on him here.
Notice again the similarity of verse 52 and the Old Testament verse in 1 Samuel 2:26.
Preaching Possibilities
Because this is the Christmas season and the First Sunday after Christmas we'll need to continue the story of Jesus' birth by growing him, using the Gospel of Luke for today.
A. However, the New Testament Lesson is rich for proclamation and would easily stand alone under the theme: "The Perfect Christian Wardrobe." You might begin by mentioning that on Christmas Eve we heard that Jesus was born and then wrapped in swaddling cloths. After we are "reborn" into the faith, what ought we, according to Saint Paul, be clothed in?
B. Or we could connect the Samuel story and the Jesus story by using the two very similar verses: Luke 2:52 and 1 Samuel 2:26. They both loved God and other humans as they matured physically and spiritually.
C. There are also three liturgical days right after Christmas which make for interesting biographical preaching:
December 26
Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
December 27
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
December 28
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
D. If you wanted to do a completely topical sermon you might use the title: "After Christmas Hangover," which might relate well in our culture. One could talk about how some may have the effects of their Christmas celebration still with them, like bills coming due and perhaps a headache from too much to drink. Then move to what we ought still to have a hangover from: the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph saw the obligation to grow Jesus in their faith. We might use Paul's advice to the Colossians to put on a Christian wardrobe. It all has to do with maturing the tiny baby Jesus like Samuel had to mature also.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Move to reviewing the celebration of Jesus' birth last week.
B. Now move to the story in the Gospel and tell it in your own words if it has already been read from the Bible.
C. Move to the task before us to grow Jesus up, just like Mary and Joseph's task. We also must get him out of the manger as a baby and into our hearts as a savior. Eli had to do it for Hannah and Elkanah's son Samuel, and Paul described in the New Testament Lesson the kind of clothing we ought to put on if we "grow up" our Christian faith.
D. Move to the fact of the similarity of 1 Samuel 2:26 and Luke 2:52. Call attention that Samuel's and Jesus' maturity both called for not only loving God but also loving other people. The Christmas infant is growing!
E. Tell one of the metaphors or stories below.
F. Move to what you believe this all means for your congregation and ministry: in youth ministry and Christian education, in social ministry, in stewardship and evangelism.
G. Frame your sermon by returning to the celebration last week of the birth of Jesus and move to Mary and Joseph finding him in the Temple -- we join them also in maturing the baby to an adult savior.
Prayer For The Day
Help us, dear Holy Parent, to move the Christmas infant Jesus out of the manger, and into our hearts as a savior. Just like Samuel and Jesus grew up, help us to love you and love all sorts of people as they did. Bless all parents here today that they might have guidance from you in their holy responsibilities of parenting. And show us the way as your congregation to become a people of mature faith confident of Jesus in our midst. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
I never could put my heart into preaching about the time Mary and Joseph left Jesus in Jerusalem after Passover. Why didn't they keep a closer watch on their twelve-year-old son? Then, when pastor of First Lutheran Church, Tiffin, Ohio, my wife and I did the same thing! Our little daughter, Bethany, was left at the church as I drove home thinking my wife had taken her. Somehow after that, this story in the Gospel of Luke took on a new relevancy!
A favorite story at St. John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht wanted to let a doll down from the chancel ceiling and into a manger in front of the altar. He was preaching and gave the signal to Pastor Louis Piehl, who stood to the side with a fishing rod and reel, to let the baby Jesus down. All went well until Piehl ran out of line about one foot short of the baby being at rest in the manger. Finally Valbracht came out of the pulpit and pushed the doll into the manger, which pulled Piehl out into the chancel. He ran back to the wings, which pulled the baby back in the air, and so on! How many secular forces try to keep the baby from coming again this year!
Letty Cottin Pogrebia in Growing Up: "Don't be the man you think you should be; be the father you wish you had."
Parenthood is an awesome responsibility and a godly act.
In 1522 the great reformer Martin Luther preached on married life and said, "God lays souls into the lap of married people, souls begotten from their own bodies on which they may practice all Christian works. For when they teach their children the Gospel, parents are certainly their apostles, bishops, and ministers."
