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The Never Lost Ninety-Nine -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2001
The homemade sign hanging on a large construction crane outside Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Io
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (C, E)
Jesus Searches For Us -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Rightful Stewardship Of God's Gifts -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and the charges were brou
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 55:10-13 (C)
Complacency Leads To Death -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Theme
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Service Is Our Reward -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
The apostles said to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a
Trinity Sunday -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Perseverance In Prayer -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Then Jesus told them a parable about the need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 14:18-20
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
God Justifies The Humble -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Responding To God's Love -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's home and took his
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 55:1-9 (C)
New Life For A Dead Friend -- Isaiah 25:6-9, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The stench of death surrounded Christ's sorrow, crying
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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The Seeing Eye -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
An airplane flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles had a 45-minute delay and everybody on board wa
How Does It Work? -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is a very nice book for children that is titled, The Way Things Work.
The Hallelujah Chorus -- Revelation 19:1-8 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In 1741, a 56-year-old German living in England was at the lowest point in his career.
Our Two Flags -- Romans 13:1-7 -- 2004
O! say, can you see by the dawn's early light,
Is Work A Four Letter Word? -- Psalm 104 -- 2004
He was the owner and manager of a downtown store in Utica, New York. I'll call him Fred.
A Severe Mercy! -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
French author Victor Hugo has a short story titled, "93." In the midst of this tale a ship at sea is
A Worldly Salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
In the early 1960s, John A. T.
Go To Heaven? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Judgment day was the preacher's theme, and he thundered about God's wrath, sin and the day of judgme
Oskar's Cruelty -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Schindler's List is a true story of World War II.
Still Under Construction -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
People print all sorts of things on T-shirts, from advertisements to obscenities to affirmations of
Vision From Patmos -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
A cowboy was crossing the desert when his horse bit the dust.
Memorial Daze -- Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 -- 2004
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,
As Long As It Is Day! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
The greatest sorrow is to have no cause, no work, no sacrifice for which to live.
I'll Be Home For Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
In 1943, during World War II, a new song appeared, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The lyrics and the
Jesus Transforms The Darkness Into Light -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Pastor David Johnson was all ready, he thought, for his Easter sermon.
Dark Ugly Clouds -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Bill Mosley -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Things are hardly ever the way they appear and certainly not on Calvary's hill.
The Reward -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
The Rock opera, Jesus Christ, Superstar, pictures Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking G
Living Creatures -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Dakota tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is t
Called, Commissioned, And Comforted: A Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Isaiah 49:1-9 -- 2004
Recently, Rosa Parks was again in the news.
A Guide To Christmas -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
If you talk about the blind and guides you are talking about seeing--eye dogs.
The Truth Of Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John T. Ball -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
The early Christians were good at using the Hebrew Scriptures when confessing the meaning of Jesus a
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- John 20:19-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his sixty--fifth birthday, in the presence of a f
Experiencing The Reality Of God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world
Dealing With Criticism -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
No one likes criticism. We all like to be liked.
Paradise Restored -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In the last book of the Bible, John the elder has a great vision of the earth ending in subjection t

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Messenger -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
They were proud of their church. "Proud as punch!" they always
Death Row -- John 3:1-17 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
"I'm afraid to die," Tony said.
Finders Keepers -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
Neil loved his bicycle. It was a three-speed and quite
Here Comes The Bride -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
David adjusted his cuff links and straightened his tie. He
Hearing The Promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Rhea Lawson was 49 when it happened. Her last child would
This Doesn't Make Sense -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
John heard it. Tim did, too. So did Grace and Sarah. But none
The Weight Of The Cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The restoration of First Community Church had been completed.
A Fair Hearing -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
From the look on Delores' face as she strode up our walk, I knew that, once again, my sermon hadn't
The Gifts Are Unrelated -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
Lydia loved to give things away -- crafts, baked goods, items
The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
Into Every Life -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Frank put me in a bind.
Letting Her Alone -- Mark 14:1Ä15:47 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
"Well, isn't that something!" the pastor said to his very
The Organ -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
A church crisis can be precipitated by seemingly innocent events.
With Sighs Too Deep -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
Over at last. That's the only thought she could think about just now. Over at last.
Night Trek -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Methodist pastors change pulpits at the will of the bishop, so when the call came from my district s
Music Box Dancer -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
David stared at the music box nostalgically as his sister held it out to him.
Endwork -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"Good grief!" Susie said. "It's Alfred Plunket!"
The Wall -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Warren Jones had just retired from a long successful career in
Jesus Loves Problem Kids -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
His name was Freddie and he was as cute as little boys come.
Sand -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
The smells of the beach reminded Molly of being a kid. When
Spring Story -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
She was dying of pancreatic cancer.
Commercial Break -- John 6:24-35 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Like the product it advertised, the commercial seemed to keep
The Other Roads -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
In the course of my ministry I occasionally came upon people who had gone rather suddenly from being
Before The Sun Sets -- Ephesians 4:25Ä5:2 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
The supper table hadn't yet been cleared. Coffee cups were
Strangers -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
When Betty appeared at my door she looked positively ill.

Thanksgiving Day

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Left Out? -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 13:31-35
Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Wisdom calls out to all who yearn to gain understanding.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
We come to your house this day, our Father, to open our hearts to you, to thank you for your loving-
By The Other Water Gate -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 13:1-9
Project Accomplished -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Finally, finally, all the plans have come together.
With You In Mind -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From where does our confidence arise?
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
A Little Robe -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Holy Risking -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 5 -- John 12:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: John 12:1-8
A Stronger Hand -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lead On -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
LentThe Season Of RenewalLiturgical Color: Purple
Advent 1 -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 21:25-36
I Will Be Your God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Name Change -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak -- James 1:19-25, James 3:1-12 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Here's Jesus! -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
At The Root -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
You Shall ... -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Incredible Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
A Light Shines in the Darkness -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Join me in this conversation about change: You must stay here.

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Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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