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

SermonStudio

Upside Down Christmas -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2002
We spent much of the summer of 1994 "Down Under" in Australia and New Zealand.
Doing Good To The Souls Of People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Alexander Whyte once reported a woman's comment to her minister, "Sir, your preaching does my soul g
Junk In Our Souls -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his refreshing book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, states this: "The first step in
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
Passionless People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Ken Jones, in his book The Climb of Your Life, said, "Our temporal, 'throwaway' society has s
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Value Of Trust -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The tank of trust is ebbing low. It is not a high commodity in our world.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
"In our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?" (v. 5d).
Love That Just Won't Quit -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
This parable strikes a sound like fingernails on a blackboard right in the core of my being.
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
Language tools in reference to our understanding of the nature of God -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. The mystery of God as the Divine Spirit
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
To understand this rich passage, the preacher must first understand its setting.
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Dog-Licked Sores And Linen Underwear -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2001
I wonder if there has ever been a study of how the kind of underwear we wear affects our behavior.
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2001
Every pupil in Sunday school knows - or used to know - this story of David and Goliath.
Language tools in reference to the role of Jesus Christ as our Savior -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. The birth of Jesus, Christmas, and the mystery of the incarnation
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
This passage forms the middle chapter of an announcement of salvation that is found in Isaiah 60--62
Going Home Justified -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2001
In the beautiful, romantic, walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany, there is a strange m

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Dancing The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Irrevocable Gifts -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
People have had a wide variety of reactions to the idea of politically-correct language.
Chimps, Mount Saint Helens, And The Holy Gust -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
They didn't get a TV Guide so they planned their television viewing by the commercial preview
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
Say What? -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Richard C. Brand -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Say what?
God, Or The World? -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was a man of mystery and charm; he was a man of brokenness and faith.
Righteous People -- Matthew 5:6) -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Starvation was a real possibility in the locale and time of Jesus.
A Question Of Right And Wrong -- Deuteronomy 5:1-22 -- 2004
Is there any such thing as right and wrong? Is there any such thing as truth?
At War With Myself -- Romans 7:15-25a -- William G. Carter -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession.
The Golden Calf -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Have you ever waited for someone or something until you just didn't think you could wait anymore?
The Blessed Sacrament -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Body Parts And Pride -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
It sometimes happens that small parts of the Bible seem to become dated, especially when they echo p
Letting Go -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Michael Crichton was a doctor. But he also had other talents and the itch to write.
Once More With Feeling! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- George L. Murphy -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It's that holiday season again. Friends and loved ones are making plans for a visit.
The Eyes Of Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
John Edward believes that people don't just die, but that they "cross over."
Transformed In Christ -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
"Hoke, you are my best friend." It took Daisy Werthan almost twenty years to make that statement; it
Kindhearted People -- Matthew 5:7 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The beatitudes have a rhythm about them. Jesus states a truth and doubles back with emphasis.
Homosexuality, Facing The Issue -- Romans 1:16-32 -- 2004
The Christian faith should form every aspect of the life of a Christian.
When is Being Right Wrong? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard C. Brand -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
I finally got a copy of the Rules of Life.
Seeing Just Enough Of God -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Life never stands still.
Remember -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us remember and worship God who calls us.
Heaping Coals And Virtues -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A French writer and historian once wrote, "We owe to the Middle Ages the two worst inventions of hum
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

A Helping Hand -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
O Christ, had I one wish I fain would bethe one who bore your cross to Calvary,
Memorial Day Preacher -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
I walked through the cemetery one evening, late in May.
Preparing the Way -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A young director faced his cast and crew, slumped in their auditorium seats before the stage of Gree
Looking Back -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
My call to be a minister I never will forget.
Becoming -- Genesis 3:8-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
In the beginning, Adam and Eve were living happily ever after. They were the first human family.
A Voice In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Margaret told herself that she should feel very pleased with her Christmas preparations.
The Calling Cycle -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
The God who calls isthe God who guides isthe God who provides is
The Mighty Acorn -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
A church camp counselor gathered the six small boys from his cabin under the spread of a very old oa
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There were just three shopping days left until Christmas. Mrs.
Pulpit Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ONCE IN a happy little village there lived a round man with a straight nose.
The Preacher's Inspiration -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"BUT PASTOR," said Mrs.
Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ALTHOUGH PETER PULPITPOUNDER was skilled in pounding his fist, he was not one to lose his temper.
D.D. WHAT IS a rally without a pounding fist? -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
At a rousing rally, pounding fists are to the pulpit what streamers are to the rafters.
Door Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
NOT OFTEN is the urge to be a boy again satisfied so well for preachers as when they go calling.
Peter's Pounding Heart -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THERE WERE times when Peter did not pound.
Cut-time Preaching -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
SELDOM HAVE preachers been more foolish than when they have supposed that people think with their he
What's in a Name -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
IF PULPITPOUNDER was a flame to live up to, it was also a flame to put up with.
The Pulpit Outlook -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
AFTER PETER PULPITPOUNDER developed the fine art of pulpit pounding, his congregation began to look
The Preacher's Kids -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THE SCHOOL marm with the sternest looking glasses in the congregation would hardly have called the p
Daddy's Daughters -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"WHAT ARE tummies for, daddy?" This was the question that gurgled from the lips of Helen Margaret, a
The Preacher Goes Fishing -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"IT DOES my heart good to see you working for a change," said farmer Johnson, as he stood with his h
The War Department -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
PEACE AND HARMONY usually prevailed in this little church in the tiny village.
The Ladies' Aid (A Meditation in a Weed Patch) -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"MEETINGs, MEETINGS everywhere," Peter groaned.
A Man Who Would Be God -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was to be his first trip back to China. He was born in China to missionary parents in the 1930s.
Gospel Grandmothers -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1994
United Church has a tradition. They were known for supporting their pastors very well.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Thinking Tall -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:7-18
God's Malleability -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Advent 1 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 19:1-10
Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: RedGospel: John 14:8-17 (25-27)
Look Around, See The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Look around, see the light.
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Proper 19 | OT 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Partial Ruin Call To Worship
Easter Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 20:27-38
Day of Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
PentecostThe Season Of The Holy SpiritLiturgical Color: Red/White/Green
All Have Strayed -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
All Saints' Sunday -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 6:20-31
Heartsick -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Heartsick
Epiphany Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 21:5-19
Propers One, Two, Three -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
The Season Of The Holy SpiritPropers One, Two, Three
When You Have Come -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:44-53
Everyone Is Saved -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Everyone Is Saved
Holy Week -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
O God, who is perfect in righteousness yet who comes with your mercy of love to every sinner, we pra
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10-25-37
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: What Will You Give Me?

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