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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:3-9a, Matthew 5:13-20 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 20 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:27-37 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 10 -- Exodus 2:11-22, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 13 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Matthew 14:13-21 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 14:1-14 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 17 -- Exodus 19:1-9, Matthew 16:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1989
Exodus 19:1-9Romans 12:1-13Matthew 16:21-28
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 16 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
First Sunday of Lent -- Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 6 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Holy Trinity -- Deuteronomy 4:32-40, 2 Corinthians 13:5-14, Matthew 28:16-20 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Nativity of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George M. Bass -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hosea 6:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 11 -- Exodus 3:1-12, Romans 8:18-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a (4b-8), John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The arrangement of the lessons for the second through the fifth Sundays in Lent is rather confusing;
Proper 4 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 19 -- Exodus 20:1-20, Matthew 18:21-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons
Epiphany 2 -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

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Easter: A Time For Higher Things -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Loaned Or Owned? -- 2 Samuel 12:18-23 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an infantOle Winter
On The Twenty-fourth Day -- Haggai 2:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Haggai works his way to this crucial question, and so shall we.
The Mandate: Positive And Purposeful -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
No other God, no graven images, no taking of the name of the Lord in vain, no work on the Sabbath, n
Inherit The World -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
"The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come throug
Center Yourself In The Lord -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in h
Salvation Serving -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
When I was in high school, I had a bad case of acne. Many teenagers did then and many still do now.
Been There, Done That -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
We can thank Mountain Dew for throwing one more cliché on the heap of cutesy phrases.
Bad Habits -- Mark 9:38-43, 47-48 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out...
The Tie That Binds -- Mark 14:12-21 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
For centuries the question has been debated among Christians: When did the Church begin?
God Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- Anthology -- 1998
a funeral meditationJohn R. Brokhoff
Is There Any Seed Left In The Barn? -- Haggai 2:19 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
About eight years ago I first considered moving from Los Angeles to northern Indiana, from the city
When God Says, "Let Me Alone" -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Poor Moses, poor Aaron, poor people. I label all of them poor, but for different reasons.
Enter Your Pax Word A Lenten Lexicon -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen.
The Community Of Life -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Unity and disunity -- these words are more than mere opposites.
The Marvelous Style Of Jesus: Truth And Love -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Jesus' use of parables is his way of communicating a striking truth with significant love.
Overcoming Spiritual Anemia -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Webster, the famous dictionary author, defines anemia as a "condition in which the red corpuscles of
In The Flesh -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
"And the Word became flesh."
Top Ten List -- Matthew 18:21-25 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive...
Freed For Service -- John 13:1-9 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
No scene in the Bible is more gripping, awe--inspiring, and compelling than the picture of Jesus, po
Death Shows No Partiality -- Anthology -- 1998
for a little childJames W. Robinson
For I Have Chosen You! -- Haggai 2:20-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
When I was a kid the night before Christmas was the longest night in the world.
On Seeing His Backside -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
"I beseech Thee, O God, show me thy glory. Show me the essence of your being.
Pleasing The Teacher -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Pleasing the teacher.
Freely Sharing The Burden -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
Once in a far-off land there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide.

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A teaching with authority - A summary of Jesus' teaching ministry -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
John's version of the Christmas story - The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' healing of the woman with a flow of blood and the ruler's daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The preaching ministry -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Announcement - You're the one, Mary! You're the ones, church! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Invitation to the Corporate CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' healing of the leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus' inability to do any mighty works in his own community because of the peoples' disbelief -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Jesus calling the disciples and sending them out two by two -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Watchfulness -- Mark 13:32-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Suggested quotes at the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Jesus' invitation to the disciples to leave the crowd and to rest -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Transfiguration of Jesus -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' attempt to be alone with his disciples -- John 6:1-15 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The Baptism, Temptation, Message of Jesus -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus, the Bread of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' awareness of the cost of discipleship -- Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-10 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' response to, his critics, and his reiteration of the Bread of Life theme -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
The cleansing of the temple; the promise of Jesus' resurrection. -- John 2:13-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' insights into his body and blood -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Order of Worship HeadingsConsider this:
God's love for the world to which the son came to bring light and judgment. -- John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus, the living Bread and Wine -- John 6:55-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' moving toward his death and glorification; the call to die in order to live -- John 12:20-33 -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus' insight into his death because of the people's attitudes -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
The final events of Jesus' life -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The idea for this Holy Week celebration came from an idea suggested by a pastor in a church periodic
Christmastide, the Season of the Nativity -- John 14:9 -- 1990
The most popular of all the Christian festivals is the season of Christmas.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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.

CSSPlus

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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