Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

He Shepherds Us! -- John 10:11-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Andrew Young, former delegate to the United Nations and former mayor of Atlanta, finally published t
A Voice Crying In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John A. Stroman -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The people wondered who John the Baptist was.
How Odd Of God -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John A. Stroman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
In every generation if we are to apprehend the abiding forces that will dominate and direct the futu
The Strange Tactics Of God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Some of you will remember Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, a film released several ye
Epilogue: Endorsing The Future -- 1996
One of the first things you do when you move to a new place is establish a checking account with a l
Liberating Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- William G. Carter -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
During the 1960s, Sherwood Schwartz wrote and produced a number of hit television shows.
Easter Joy -- John 15:9-17 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A remarkable feature of Dwight D.
A Moment Of Decision -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John A. Stroman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
Experiences have the effect of changing the direction of our lives.
A Habitat For Humanity -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live i
Redrawing The Landscape -- 1996
One summer's day my wife and I journeyed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend a conference.
Double Image -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- William G. Carter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
"You know why I want to join the church?" The speaker was a father in his thirties, holding an infan
Easter Consecration -- John 17:6-19 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A. E. Hotchner has written an autobiographical account of his experience of the Great Depression.
Pass It On -- John 1:43-51, John 1:35-42 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Here we see the dynamic of witness. Look at what took place.
Here Is Where It Happens -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Here is where it happens. Where is here? Here is right here, among us.
Living With Limits -- 1996
One of the leaders in the world of pastoral psychology is Wayne Oates.
Tears At The Tomb -- John 11:32-44 -- William G. Carter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
By all appearances, the junior high youth group at First Church was going well.
The Spice Of Death -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Good Friday draws us to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ that we might concentrate and meditate on
Resist Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
The Holy Gospel for this First Sunday in Lent is the evangelist Mark's very brief account of the tem
Drop-Everything-Discipleship -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
This text is a statement about a radical discipleship.
Saul, The Tormented King -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
He was like a meteor.
Illusion Or Reality? -- 1996
Back in the mid 1970s to early 1980s hypnosis was viewed as a major cure for many of society's ills.
It Is Blessed To Receive -- Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 17:11-19 -- William G. Carter -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
In the small town of Mapleville, the ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service was poorly attended.
Sent From The Mountain -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
There is nothing like taking part in a worship service with 17,000 people.
By What Authority? -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Two remarkable things happened. Jesus' words in the synagogue left the people amazed.
When Saints Go Marching Forth -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Sometimes when reading you come across words that just leap off the page and grab you.

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Death and Raising of Lazarus -- John 11:32-44, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Ash Wednesday -- Joann H. Hary
Order of Worship
More Signs of the End of the Age -- Mark 13:24-31 -- Wayne H. Keller
Celebrating God's Presence and Power
Mark 1:40-45; 2:1-12; 2:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Mark 2:18-22 -- Wayne H. Keller
Proper OneEpiscopal: Mark 1:40-45Proper Two
Jesus Appears to the Disciples -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - B
An Invitation To Ascension SundayPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Easter Sunday -- Joann H. Hary
Easter SundayOrder of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
John the Baptist Beheaded -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
AdorationInvitation to the Celebration (Pastor and Ministers)
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - B
After everyone leaves the sanctuary on Fat Tuesday, and before anyone enters the sanctuary on Ash We
First Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Men, Plus Women and Children -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Wise Men's Visit -- Matthew 2:1-12, Mark 1:4-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Ekklesia Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation
Second Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand; Jesus Walks on Water. Do you see the connection? -- John 6:1-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation
The Week Following Easter -- Wayne H. Keller
Bright Monday
Third Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Disciples Expectations and Demands -- John 6:24-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Is Jesus our King? -- John 18:33-37, Mark 11:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Jesus Continues the Bread of Life Theme -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - B
A Return To Good Friday, Which At The Time, Appeared Bad
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
People Argue Among Themselves -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Note
Jesus Appears to the Disciples, and Makes a Special Appearance to Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Joann H. Hary
Order of Worship
Jesus Teaches the Essence of His Being the True Bread and Cup -- John 6:56-69 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The Community Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)

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

Wildcard SSL