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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Call to Worship: Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and
Maisie's Game -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Through our worship today, let us join the band of disciples and
When Mrs Round Was Sick -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus came, took Peter's mother-in-law by the hand, and lifted her
What's The Plan? -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Here's an astonishing thought - God loves us as much as he loves
The Weekend Away -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
This is a story which tries to explain how Jesus can be the Holy
The Video Game -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: The rich man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal
Paddy's Prayer -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What is it you want me to do for you?" In our
Bleat The Black Sheep -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Life isn't always smooth. Jesus calls us to difficult and painful
Prettybush And The Ugly Place -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Beth's Gift -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Kit -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
Boris In The Forest -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Call to Worship: Jesus calls us to welcome everyone in his name. In our worship
Mr. Skillett And Mrs. Round Make Changes -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today, let us praise and glorify God for all we
Honesty Really Is The Best Policy -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - C
Call to Worship: Jesus refused to answer Pilate or any of his accusers, even
The Quiz -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." In
Joe's New School -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Call to Worship: A leper said to Jesus, "If you choose, you can make me clean." As
James' Trumpet -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Call to Worship: The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me,
Zog And Ergerol -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for
Josie Runs Away -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Call to Worship:
Praxis Decides To Be Himself -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today let us open our hearts to Jesus, asking him
The Grain Of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Call to Worship:
The Black Cave -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship: John the Baptist came as a witness to the light. In our worship
David's Grandma -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Call to Worship:
Jordan's Story -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Call to Worship:
He's Not One Of Us -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Call to Worship: When Jesus entered a house, he didn't want anyone to know he was

Children's sermon

The Village Shepherd

Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
All brothers and sisters -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
Who gave the most? -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Note: This children's sermon fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.
Raised in glory -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.
Praxis Feels Angry -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the little pixie whose skin changes colour according to his moods, was a dull, ugly red.
Praxis Hits Back -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
"We got them!" Praxis was proudly relating his story to the Wise Old Pixie, who was listening with a
Holly's Worry -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Jesus tells us not to be anxious about trivial things, for God
Simon And The Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - B
When he grew up, Simon was going to be a great football player.
Baby Genie's New Home -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
BG was very frightened.
The Sad Tale Of Nutman -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Nutman was very excited.
I Want To Be? -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
We tend to think of Saints as special holy people who are perhaps not quite real.
Oscar's Courage -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
When Jesus chose that particular passage from Isaiah, he went to the heart of his gospel - an op
Roly's First Christmas -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Roly the dachshund puppy was feeling rather bewildered.
Anna's Story -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple is strong on two 'bit-part' characters, Sim
The Reluctant Bridesmaid -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Jesus visited a wedding at Cana in Galilee, he showed that human disappointments matter to
I Want To Be -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Casper's aunt was visiting.
Oh Bobby! -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
God loves us way beyond anything we can imagine, and Jesus instructs us to love each other uncon
Roly Shows The Way -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
The three children were racing through the woods, and Roly was keeping up as best he could with
Amanda's Special Party -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had ma
The Refugees -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Joe shivered and cuddled up against his young wife, now sleeping at last with the baby held secu
I Don't Know How To Love... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"I love chocolate," mumbled Paul as he stuffed the last fragment of Mars bar into his mouth.
Mr Skillett And Mrs Round -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Mr Skillett was as tall as a bus, and as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together.
Roly Makes A Straight Path -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Roly lay down with his head on his paws and felt lonely.
Alice's Ambition -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Alice loved ballet.
The Prayer Diary -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer.
I Believe... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Michael was both excited and scared all at the same time.
More Trouble For Praxis -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Praxis the pixie was in trouble again. In fact, Praxis was rarely out of trouble.
Roly Poly Prickle Faces The Music -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Roly Poly Prickle was in something of a mess.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Suffering God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation, Your Church Is The Body Of Christ... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Foolish God... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
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Joyful God, It's Your Birthday... -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Matthew 6:25-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God... -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous And Long-Suffering God -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Father God... -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
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Healing God, Nothing Is Too Small For You... -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Loving God... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unexpected God -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Outgoing And Self-Emptying God... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Ever-Present God -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Advent God, As Christmas Frenetically Approaches... -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Gentle And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Our Shepherd... -- John 10:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God's Family Christmas -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Christmas Eve Candlelight CommunionCall to Worship
Loving And Forgiving God -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Forgiving God... -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Christmas Babe, Born In A Cowshed... -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Transcendent God... -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous God... -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Surprises -- Easter Day -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Healing And Compassionate God... -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

The Village Shepherd

Restrictive religion versus redemptive righteousness -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Self-serving versus self-giving -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
Note: This prayer fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Preaching

The Village Shepherd

Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

The Earth Is A House For All People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
In this familiar and well-loved story of the Prodigal Son, I often wonder what happened to the mot
A Life Worthy Of The Calling -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend a long time talking to and listening to a young man wh
Profound Experiences -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
The highlight of the famous Alpha course is the Holy Spirit weekend, although it has to be said that
Will The Meek Inherit The Earth? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Every so often in our national press, there's a call for a return to the Ten Commandments, a cal
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of
God The Creator -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
According to some research undertaken in 2000, in the last twenty years or so there has been a
Hold To God's Ways -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Life is unfair. It seems especially unfair when something which has been denied one person is
Do You Need To Go To Church To Be A Christian? -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Many churches in England in small country parishes are struggling.
Judgment Day -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
I was watching yet another television programme on near-death
God's Justice -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
One thing which perhaps separates humans from other animals, is
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of Motion tells us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Symbols And Idolatry -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Present day icons
No Strings Attached -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
I remember, as a child, the loathsome task of writing thank you letters after every birthday and Chr
All Things Work Together ... -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Perhaps one of the harder lessons which Christians have to learn is that bad things happen
Does Anybody Tell the Truth Anymore? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
When The Oil Runs Dry -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
When we first discovered that there was oil beneath the North Sea in 1965, it was a cause for
Being Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
An abiding memory of my childhood is of my father in the garden.
The Great Antitheses -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Jane had marriage problems.
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Formula For Eternal Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Unexpected God -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Back in the early seventies when divorce was still regarded with shock and horror, Melanie fell in l
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
When Jane left school she
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe

Worship

The Village Shepherd

Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
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
and more...
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A crèche, or manger scene. Any size and style is fine as long as it includes shepherds. Have the creche set up before you begin.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (vv. 13-14)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 62:6-12
Isaiah proclaims, “Look, your savior comes.” We celebrate on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day the coming of our savior into the world – not as one full of power, but as a babe, vulnerable and human, as one born among us. Yes, God has great things in store for this babe, great lessons to teach us and for us to absorb as we watch this babe become a child and then a man. But in this quiet moment, this moment in a stable, born of indigent, immigrant parents, we see our own vulnerability portrayed in the Christ child.
Wayne Brouwer
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab stands peg-legged on the deck of the Pequod during a violent storm (chapter 119). His obsession with the White Whale has carried the craft and crew to exotic and frightening locales, and now it seems as if divine providence might be unleashing furious anger against this ill-fated quest.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell. As the demonic guests were departing, one laughed and grinned and sarcastically said to Satan, “Merry Christmas your majesty!” At that, Satan replied with a growl, “Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Today the focus is all about the Messiah and we need to be serious about it. It is the birth of the baby Jesus, the Messiah. It is the coming of God…the doctrine of incarnation. It is the intervention of God’s presence among humanity.
Stephen P. McCutchan
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
-- Psalm 96:13

Gregory L. Tolle
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
James Evans
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (v. 4).

Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The lectionary includes two sets of readings for Christmas Day: those appointed for dawn services, and those appointed for services that take place later in the day. Psalm 97 is designated as one of these early-morning readings.

William Powell Tuck
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy. But for many it is also a time for cynicism. There are some people for whom Christmas is difficult. It is a time of struggle, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. There are more suicides during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. A comment by a woman in a nursing home indicates the feeling of some: "No one really cares. No one cares about me now.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear as they made the arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Four words that make long journeys longer. Four words that strike terror in the hearts of parents of every time and every place. Four words from which even the youngest child seems to be able to craft a sentence: Are we there yet?

I am struck this year by the number of journeys the narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy entail:

* Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem;
Julia Ross Strope
Gathering music
Christmas medley

(Light the Christ candle.)

(Invite adults, children, and youth ahead of time to bring a favorite gift for a one-sentence show and tell.)

Greeting
Leader: Merry Christmas!

People: Merry Christmas!

Leader: Settle your Christmas gifts on the pew beside you and find the space within your minds and hearts to sing, pray, listen, and talk.
James R. Wilson


Call To Worship
Leader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our savior has been born!
People: Is our Messiah, the promised one, among us this day?
Leader: Surely I say unto you, Christ the Lord is with us even as we speak.
People: Are even sinners such as we welcome in Christ's kingdom?
Leader: Praise to the Lord God Almighty, for in Christ we are all welcome!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him. But a good man called Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body gently in his own grave, which he'd made ready for when he should die. After that the wicked people searched for Joseph of Arimathea, and so he ran away from Jerusalem carrying with him a special cup like this one, which contained some of Jesus's holy blood.

Special Occasion

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