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Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12-23 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
Persistence Along The Road Of Life -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Gospel text is our first big jump in Matthean order for this church year.
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (C)
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Seeking Greater Tolerance And Patience -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The text appointed for this week omits 11:20-24.
Finding Christ: The Treasure Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to our text for this week noting that the lectionary has entirely omitted Matthew 12.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
Sharing God's Unlimited Forgiveness With Others -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord if another member of the church sins against me, how often sh
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 13 contains the parabolic ministry of Jesus as Matthew tells the story.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Micah 6:1-8 (C, E)
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's assigned Gospel story is a continuation of the story assigned for the Second Sunday in A
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers fo
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The whole of Jesus' discourse in parables in Matthew 13 demonstrates for us that Jesus did much of h
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) (C), Isaiah 58:7-10 (RC)
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week has allusions to many, many stories throughout the Bible.

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

The Answer Waiting For A Question -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
A number of years ago some Christians placed bumper stickers on their vehicles stating, "Christ is t
Lethal Weapon -- James 3:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
A popular series of movies has been the Lethal Weapon series.
God Is God And We Are Not, Thank God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
In Twelve Step programs there is a popular saying, the origin of which is unknown: "God is God, and
Easter For Thomas, Too -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The urge to be a part of what is going on is very powerful.
God Is Now Here -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Paul E. Flesner -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once observed that the Christmas event can only be spoken about in poetr
Have You Gone Far Enough? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
When I was in divinity school some student had written graffiti on the bathroom wall.
The Ten Percent Solution -- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It is believed by many that money and religion are incompatible.
Congratulations, You've Made The Team! -- Hebrews 12:1, 2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Perhaps you remember, in high school or college, trying out for the varsity or junior varsity baseba
He Came By Night -- John 3:1-17 -- David G. Rogne -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
I came upon Jesus quite by accident.
People See Through Us -- James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
A lasting contribution to American life was made by a simple business woman who turned a small baker
True Worship Turns Us Upside Down And Inside Out -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
"To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of
Easter Transportation -- John 20:1-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
The eyes of our nation have, in recent time, twice been riveted on Antarctica and the need to rescue
A Song, A Dance, A Savior -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Curtis Lewis -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Simon Wiesenthal in his book, The Sunflower, relates a discussion that took place at the Mauthausen
Deliverance: The Forgotten Third Of Jesus' Ministry -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Russian novelist Fydor Dostoevsky wrote, "God and the devil are at war in the universe and their bat
The Widow's Mite, The Mighty Widow -- Luke 21:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Widows occupy a very special place in the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity.
What Are You Going To Do With My World? -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
A friend tells of his son who asked for a globe of the world as one of his Christmas gifts last year
Missing The Point -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Have you ever been in a group of people where someone told a joke and everyone else laughed except y
Don't Forget What You Look Like -- James 1:17-27 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
A young college graduate embarked on what he hoped would be a promising career in sales.
Heaven's Applause -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Some words fall into the mud puddle, are never cleaned off, and become permanently tarnished by the
Joy To The World -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Curtis Lewis -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Open the hymnals. Pull out the stops on the organ, for we are going to sing a song.
King Forever! -- John 6:56-69 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Norman Rockwell has a painting titled Lift Up Thine Eyes.
Taxes To Caesar - What To God? -- Matthew 22:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A young politician running for office asked a veteran politician for advice on how to assure victory
Who Can Ask For Anything More? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Those who have read Charles Dickens' famous story, Oliver Twist, will recall that little Oliver, sti
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Power Of The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wendy Wosoba -- Good Friday - B
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws
Proper 18 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- John Steward -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
A man was once put in a dark cave.
Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in
All Saints' Day -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- John Steward -- All Saints Day - C
"...
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
Proper 19 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- John Steward -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
From time to time I have, as most pastors do, a conversation with someone about his or her relations
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Proper 20 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- John Steward -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
One Sunday morning on a subway car in New York City people were traveling in relative peace and calm
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --
Baptism Of The Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John Steward -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Many years ago the founder and president of the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, Ohio, used
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Proper 21 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
We are often afraid to speak of money in the church.
The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
Easter -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- John Steward -- Easter Day - C
There was a little boy who would always come home late from school.
A Healing Presence -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lynette E. Metz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
Proper 22 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John Steward -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A pastor was preaching one of his first sermons in the new church to which he had been called.
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
The Call Of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Dow -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
On Ash Wednesday of 2000, I had a very powerful worship experience.
Luke 17:11-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
I have noticed that at Thanksgiving time it is difficult for people to give God thanks and praise.
Eagerly Waiting -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
In my dream, I was in my bed trying to get to sleep when I heard someone coming.
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Since many of the followers of Jesus were fishermen, it made sense for Jesus to use fishing as an ex

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Prayer 17 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient, Present, And Self-Revealing One:
Watchfulness -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate Its ExpectationsInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25Theme: As For Me And My Household
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4Theme: Out Of DarknessCall To Worship
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Destruction of the Temple Foretold -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Promise -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's PromiseInvitation to the Celebration
Judge -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Judges 4:1-7Theme: JudgeCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8Theme: Do JusticeCall To Worship
The Parable of the Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost (formerly Kingdomtide [Trinity] -- Season of the Kingdom of God on Earth), meaning "fiftie
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Wonder -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Wonder That Became Reality
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Theme: ShepherdCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)Theme: Draw NearCall To Worship
Self-deception; Hearers and Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 20 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Scientist Of The Universe:
Fulfillment -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Promise Of Fulfillment
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
The Call of Matthew and Several Healings -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 21 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving Communicator:
The Communion of the Saints with the Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
The Source Of Our SainthoodInvitation to the Celebration
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Theme: Not Just On SundayCall To Worship
Few Laborers and the Disciples' Mission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 15, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
How many frustrated preachers have wished in the back of their minds that they could begin a sermon with John the Baptist’s words, “You brood of vipers!” (37). Before anyone jumps the gun on this, consider the end of Luke 3, “he [King Herod] shut up John in prison (3:20). In anxious times, weighing one’s words carefully when emotions run rampant, and tempers are short is good wisdom. John’s desired outcome was for people of faith to bear advent fruit, not simply fly off the handle at their poor judgement.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this season of hope with Christmas looming, there is still a lot of despair. Rising prices putting pressure on the American family have led 78% of our families to live paycheck to paycheck (as per a 2023 Payroll.org survey). Of course, the Christmas Season is often a time of gloom and regret for some of us. In response, based on this lesson's word of assurance, Martin Luther comments on God's love:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 16)

Sometime in the spring of 1951, my parents, Leonard and Bernice Sumwalt, stood before the congregation of the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church and made a promise that had a profound effect on my life. Our pastor at that time, Miss Sarah Mower, said to them:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Two shirts and two sandwiches or little bags of chips or cookies.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

SermonStudio

Mary Austin
On this third Sunday of Advent, we hear again from Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi. Many scholars believe that he wrote this letter from prison, perhaps even during his last prison term in Rome, before his death, but we don’t know for sure. It’s clear that he wrote from a prison cell somewhere, and that he wrote about his deeply held idea of cultivating joy in all things.
Derl G. Keefer
Moline, Illinois, September, 1977 was the place and date for a special gift that Terry Schafer purchased for her policeman husband, David. It was a pre-Christmas gift. She had a fear that it might be too expensive, but nothing was too good for her husband! She loved him with all of her heart and wanted this to be special.
James Evans
(See Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The theme of joy is highlighted in this reading from the prophet Isaiah, which is why the text is frequently employed during Advent. The poet sings, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (v. 3) and "Shout aloud and sing for joy ... for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel" (v. 6). The key to joy is those closing words in verse 6, in which the prophet celebrates the presence of God in the midst of the worshiping community.

Steven E. Albertin
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas songs played at this time of the year. They are 1) "The Christmas Song," 2) "White Christmas," 3) "Winter Wonderland," and 4) "Silver Bells." It is interesting to note that they are all secular songs that focus on the "warm fuzzies" and sentimental feelings of the season. There are no Christian or religious songs here.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

John the Baptist called people to turn to God for help and support. In our worship today let us follow his advice and turn to our Lord.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times we turn away from you.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times when we ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, turn your face upon us, that we may turn again to you.

Lord, have mercy.

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