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Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
In biblical times, when a king was crowned in Israel, two acts took place.
A Decent Obsession -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Christians live under new conditions.
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
The subject for this Sunday, as set forth in the accompanying New Testament texts, is baptism, the b
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2003
Darkness and light. The Bible constantly speaks of those two conditions.
The Uncaring Judge -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Endings can be sad.
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
Christ the King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Both Luke (15:3-7; 19:10) and John (10:11-12) characterize our Lord as the Good Shepherd.
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Two Men At Prayer -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
The same Old Testament text is used for Maundy Thursday in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
We have a crowd here today on this Easter Sunday. Churches are always crowded on Easter.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Two Men In Debt -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
1. Text
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - B -- 2003
All of us know that there are proper times to do and say certain things.
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

Mourning Our Fallen Tormentors -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Mourning Our Fallen Tormentors
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
Precious And Privileged Children -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
The remarkable world of children has always fascinated me.
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
Jesus Is The Recipe For Eternal Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Scientists tell us that if you take six molecules of carbon dioxide and combine it with twelve molec
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
Accepting The Lord Once Again -- John 1:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2005
He came softly, unobserved and yet, strange to say, everyone knew him.
A Sense Of Place -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new p
Momentous Moment -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- David T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
When visiting another church one time, a thought occurred to me as I waited in my pew for communion
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
A Promise Fulfilled: A Gift Given -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
During the last years of the Roman Empire, in the city of Myra, the regional bishop died.
The View From Michal's Window -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
The View From Michal's Window
The Quiet Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Pentecost is a celebration of the church's beginning.
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
A Sure-Fire Way To End Burn Out -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
We live in a crazy time.
God Our Protector And Shield -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
James Gillis, a priest and writer in the mid-twentieth century, became well known as a commentator o
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
The Maybe Moment -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Maybe Moment
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Truth -- 1999
Winston Churchill is supposed to have said once about his potential opponent: "Baldwin occasionally
Baptism -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
"Oh, Mom, don't be silly. I don't need Erin baptized.
Commitment -- 1999
At the Kennedy Space Control Center there are signs which come on telling of the many countdown chec
To The Scrap Pile -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
By Jupiter, how we need to get tough today!
Miracle -- 1999
In small discussion groups on miracles, some questioned whether there really were any.
Blessed To Be A Blessing -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Mark had loved helping out ever since he was young.
Humanity -- 1999
At the formal academic ceremony of graduation at Wittenberg University, I saw a dog come behind the
TV Commercial -- 1999
A couple quotations: "We measure success one investor at a time." -- Dean Witter.
Every Child Has A Purpose -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It was Alpha's eightieth birthday and the party was grand.
Communion -- 1999
I stood in the aisle of Saint Peter Church, Monrovia, Liberia, and inquired as to the fate of my for
Bitterness Fever -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I hate Serbs for what they have done to my people.
Mission -- 1999
Dennis Anderson, President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, told of a woman named Jud
Seeing With New Eyes -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Rudy looked around. He couldn't believe it. It had finally ended. He was free.
Humanness -- 1999
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle blew up one and a half minutes out of Cape Kennedy.
Victory -- 1999
At Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland where I preached today, there is a mentally challenged older
The Portrait -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Paul couldn't stand it anymore. The constant ringing in his ears was deafening.
Communion Of Saints -- 1999
Pastor Carlos Schneider tells of Ted and Tom, who sat in the balcony at Saint John's, Sacramento.
Really A Sham? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A high school teacher does not like to be bothered with the time consumed in grading essay tests, bu
Music -- 1999
Today I did not preach so I could see from my pew in the chancel our organist, Linda Wibben, actuall
We Gather Together -- Psalm 126 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
The aromas were inviting. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberries.
No-Win -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There is a witticism that goes, "Why do we buy things we don't want, just to impress people we can't
Offering -- 1999
In an Iowa snowstorm the willow trees in back of our home bent way over from the weight.
Saint Thomas Aquinas -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Thomas Aquinas, the great philosopher, theologian, and teacher, is the patron saint of Roman Cathol
Human Worth -- 1999
A letter arrived from Lydia Manawu in Liberia, marked, "No Monetary Value."
Violence -- 1999
In the movie Witness Grandpa tells his grandson Samuel, "What you take into your hand, you ta

Thanksgiving Day

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Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 119:1-8; 33-48; 129-144 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 7:37-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: PentecostCall To Worship
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Resurrection Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Another ChanceCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: TemptationCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: ReconciliationCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Alive To God In ChristCall To Worship
Proper 27 -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
On Eagles' Wings -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Moral HolinessCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 23 -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In The Lord, AlwaysCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 15 -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: Irrevocable LoveCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Deborah -- The JudgeCall To Worship
The Gift Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ The Sure FoundationCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: CreationFirst Lesson: Genesis 1:1--2:4a Theme: Creation
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Testimony To The Risen LordCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Calls UsCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Walk In The LightCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's CallCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: What Does Your Heart Say?Call To Worship

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
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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.

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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