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Friends I Love -- Mark 3:13-17 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Everyone needs friends to love.
The Deaf Shall Hear -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Deafness is a problem that hearing children can faintly grasp.
God In A Box? -- Psalm 139:9-10 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God is always near no matter where we go.
The Days Are Numbered -- Proverbs 9:11 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
New Year's Day gives us the opportunity to look forward to all the God-given days that are coming in
The Light Bulb -- Genesis 1:3 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
We can thank God that we have lights in our houses on dark winter nights.Object:
"A Scout Is ... kind" -- Ephesians 4:32 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Being kind is considered important in both the Scout Handbook and the Bible.
Herod -- Matthew 2:3-8, 16-20 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Herodus Magnus! By that name, I am known.
O Christmas Tree, Part 6 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Christmas tree balls
O Christmas Tree, Part 4 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A Star Ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 5 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: an angel ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 3 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Candy Canes
O Christmas Tree, Part 2 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: Tree Lights
A Joyful Noise -- Psalm 100:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Christians are called to worship the Lord joyfully.Object:a triangle.
O Christmas Tree, Part 1 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A small pine tree
A Storybook -- Mark 10:13-16 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Children may be motivated to read the Bible if they are told it contains stories.
Talking to God -- Psalm 116:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God listens when we pray.Object:a telephone.
Talk To A Tree -- Genesis 2:8-9 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Trees are beautiful and helpful gifts from Gods.Object:
Friends At Church -- Mark 10:14 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Sunday church school is a place to make friends and to bring friends.
LET JESUS FORGIVE YOU! -- Romans 3:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a magnifying glass, a piece of wood, and some wood filler.
MUSTARD ON MASHED POTATOES? -- Galatians 5:16-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:salt, vinegar, and mustard.
God's Thermometer -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Good morning, boys and girls.
DO THE TOUGH THINGS FIRST -- Romans 8:18-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
(For use on the Sunday nearest July 4)Object:a shovel and a bucket.
1,943 CANDLES ON THE BIRTHDAY CAKE! -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: candles for each child and anything else that will help to make this a birthday party.
PATTERNED AFTER JESUS -- 1 Peter 2:21b-25 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: an office punch (hole punch) and different shapes and colors of paper.
A TERRIFIC SINGER -- 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a tape recorder.

Christian

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Men's Day

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Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Did The Wise Men Sleep In The Stable? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The Christian should be sensitive to, and concerned about, the abuse of privil
Blemishes And Biblical Authentication -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: "Defects" or "flaws" in the Bible do not necessarily diminish its value or tru
Exiles -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Our story takes place on a small green-blue planet, partly covered with clouds, which circles near t
In The Name Of God! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians have done (and still do) some terrible things and claimed they were
Should The Universe Make Sense -- And Why? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are we meant to know some of the answers to the more significant questions con
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
1. Text
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a James 3:1-12
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17
When Kids Go Bad -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What is the cause of so many of the problems our youth have today and what can
A Dangerous Way To Read Your Bible -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Unavoidably and necessarily we must "pick and choose" which passages in our Bi
Hope In Heaven -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Eighty years out from earth, the ship crept between the stars.
An Unidentified Naked Male Running From The Scene -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Our regular examination of our relationship with Jesus and the church is proba
Neither Peacock Nor Worm -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: On finding the delicate balance between pride and humility.
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2005
1. Text
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19
Methinks Thou Dost Not Protest Too Much -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: This sermon presents the case for Christians becoming social activists.
Skeletons In The Church Closet -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The Church is not now, and has not in the past, been perfect.
"I'll Be Back!" -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Nightfall at Lod airport, 25 miles northeast of Jerusalem.
Can You Be Trusted With Crayons And Scissors? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How great is the responsibility of being a Christian and are we ready for it?
Will Reverend Tortoise Ever Catch Doctor Hare? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there a gap between science and ethics and what are we going to do about it
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
1. Text
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 or Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Noah And The Ark And Other True Stories -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we interpret the improbable sounding stories in our Old Testament?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Always With Us -- John 14:15-21 -- Lee Griess -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On a hot southern night, some 150 years ago, a weary slave sat before a tar-paper shack and lifted h
A Match Made In Heaven -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
One of the great privileges of being a parish pastor is the opportunity to officiate at weddings.
Christmas And The Beast -- Isaiah 40:9-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The passage in Matthew 2:13-20 about the slaughter of children by King Herod is usually bypassed by
Dare To Be Different -- Romans 13:11-14 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
A true story tells how the two sons of a ninety-year-old Fort Worth, Texas, woman were worried about
To An Unknown God -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan?
Aprons Or Bibs -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Potluck dinners are wonderful!
The Hungry Monkey -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
During a meeting of the parish stewardship committee, members viewed a thirty-second video clip take
Connected To God -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Lee Griess -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet.
A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
Can There Be Peace On Earth? -- Luke 2:8-14, John 14:27 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Two thousand years ago an angelic chorus heralded the birth of Jesus with the words, "Peace on earth
Headed In The Right Direction -- Romans 15:4-13 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground.
Receiving The Power Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
I love this story.
Losers, Weepers -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
All of us have experienced the pain of loss in many different forms.
One In Faith And One In Service -- John 17:1-11 -- Lee Griess -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A few choice words -- that's what Jesus gives us this morning -- a few choice words about our lives
Do You See What I See? -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
In 1956, director/producer Cecil B.
Christmas Gifts -- Matthew 2:1-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The words have been asked, will be asked, and you will respond in one way or another.
Are We There Yet? -- James 5:7-10 -- John N. Brittain -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
"Are we there yet?
Are We There Yet? -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On long family car trips, one of the favorite questions asked by children from the backseat is, "Are
Pentecost ... Again! -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
They had been waiting so long for this.
I Don’t Do Windows -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Tony S. Everett -- 2007
For months, members of the parish property team had been having difficulty finding volunteers to cle
Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
Sentimental Slaves -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Let me ask you to do a little remembering today.
Gifts For A King -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Several years ago, some small children were helping set up a nativity scene.
Set Apart At Christmas -- Romans 1:1-7 -- John N. Brittain -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
I am so old that I can actually remember when there was a difference between the number of "shopping
Showing Up -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Satan
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas Wrapping
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
Petty Concerns -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Mitch loved his church.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
We need to be patient with our mothers in the same way that God is patient with us.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is like the engine that is fired up with a full head of steam and rolling towards heaven.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." (William Wallace)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is like Tide¨ soap, the deeper the stain, the deeper the cleansing.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Sorry! -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
What if Judas hadn't betrayed Jesus? What if Judas wasn't sorry?
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most moms are aware that happiness is a spot between too little and too much that their kids often v
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A "yes" to God is a "no" to things that hurt His Holiness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving "Those who give most are least concerned about returns." (The Lunn Log)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Self-control
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
A Steward Of Her Garden -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Grace loves to garden and she tends her garden carefully.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A good mother is sunshine in a house.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a bargain at any cost.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's praise has outstanding effects upon children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spirit-filled prayer is the best safeguard against backsliding.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Suffering Servant -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Lights And Scriptures For Maundy Thursday
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11, Psalm 29 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis one is based on Genesis 1. Leader:
NULL -- Proverbs 11:25 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: A generous man will prosper;
Theme: A Tangled Web -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
The Nativity of our Lord -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1-5) Leader: In the beginning was the Word
A Time For All Things -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For New Year's Day
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 145.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 5:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.
Theme: Murder Will Out Or The Butler Did Not Do It -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- 2005
Christmas EveProper I Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Psalm 96
A Parade Of Passion -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA continuing celebration of resurrection. Leader:
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 11:1 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Give generously,
Theme: Why Couldn't It Have Been Me? -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
The Ministry Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful?
The Birth Of The Church -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Word For Pentecost Sunday
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipTaken from 1 John 3:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
NULL -- Isaiah 66:1a, 2a -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool.
Theme: The One Wish -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Proverbs 9:9-10)
First Sunday in Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
A Basic Service Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
(Share a time of visitation and prayer as previously outlined.
Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving

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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