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Gennifer Benjamin Brooks

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African-American History

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CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY -- Psalm 137, Isaiah 61:1-4 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
The history of black people in America, or African-American history, like the early history of the H

Christian

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A SERVICE FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY -- Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 100, John 15:1-11 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Church Anniversary

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LITANY FOR A CHURCH ANNIVERSARY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: We come together in celebration for the years that we have been together as the people of Go

Church Leaders

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LITANY FOR CHURCH LEADERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: You have called each of us to be partners with you in building up your church, O Christ.

Death

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A SERVICE OF DEATH AND RESURRECTION -- Revelation 21:1-4, Psalm 23 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Fellowship

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AN ADULT BIRTHDAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
You give us life, creator God, and you know the number of our days.
BLESSING OF A HOME -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of blessing and of tender care, let your spirit be present as we make this place our home.
BLESSING OF A MEAL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, dear Lord, for this meal which you have provided for the nourishment of our bodies.
GRACE AT THANKSGIVING DINNER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, God, for another Thanksgiving day and the opportunity to give you thanks.
FAMILY REUNION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
In your wisdom you made us one family, dear God, and then scattered us far from one another.
FAMILY REUNION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, we who have been scattered far and wide have come together to celebrate our family and
CHRISTENING CELEBRATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We give thanks to you, loving God, for the promise of life fulfilled in this infant child.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of love, who ordained the union of male and female in marriage through the example of Adam and E
GRADUATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Eternal God, you know the pathway of life, and give us the promise of your presence if we seek you.

Funeral

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FUNERAL SERVICE -- Psalm 121:1-2 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(When death occurs in tragic circumstances.)PROCESSIONAL

Gathering Prayer

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For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Source of all life and seat of all power, you made us in your likeness and called us good.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We hear your call, O God, to come from the places where life with all mysteries and inducements take
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all people, we come with open hands and hearts to receive your blessing.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Seat of wisdom, we thank you for this gathering of your people, for the inspiration that enabled us
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come together from the places where life has scattered us, and gather in community seeking to be
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Eternal God, you call us into being and living.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of covenant care, we come in humility, aware of the weakness that causes us to break our promise
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, we come from the places where life has taken us.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
O God, you call us to be messengers of hope.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of grace and glory, you travel with us in the day and watch over us at night.

Healing

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HEALING SERVICE -- Psalm 103:1-5, 22b -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
A TIME OF MEDITATION

Home Blessing

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BLESSING OF A HOME -- Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Psalm 118, Psalm 127 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Intercession

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FOR COMFORT IN TIME OF GRIEF -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Creator God, the source of our life and the hope of our souls, we come bringing the burden of grief
FOR HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, who came to the aid of your people in times past, we call upon you for help and delive
FOR HEALING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Blessed Savior, you understand the pain of bodily hurt, you know the feel of torn flesh.
FOR HEALING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Savior, we come to you in supplication for the healing of your child ______________.
FOR SAFE TRAVEL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Merciful God, who led your people of old safely to the promised land, guide and protect us every ste
FOR RELIEF FROM DEPRESSION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Comforter and guide, who has promised to be with us wherever life takes us, be present even in this
FOR HEALING A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of tender care, who brought healing to many who were broken in heart and mind, come and mend thi
FOR EMPLOYMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Creator of the universe, you are the one who inspires my mind, fills my soul and puts my hands to wo
FOR EMPLOYMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Jesus, my Savior and friend, you have been with me through all the days of study, when it seemed I w
FOR UNITY IN THE FAMILY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of love, who brought together people from many places to be a family, who caused us human beings
FOR FAMILY MEMBERS LEAVING ON ASSIGNMENT OVERSEAS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Almighty Savior, who by your grace keeps us together in heart, even when we are apart, keep safe the
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Guard and protect our child, dear Lord, as s/he begins this new experience of school.
FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, you move us through higher phases of learning so that we may gain the knowledge we nee

Liturgy

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ADVENT CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONY I -- Isaiah 42:5-9, Isaiah 40:1-5, Isaiah 55:1-7, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
FIRST SUNDAY -- THE CANDLE OF ANTICIPATION
ADVENT CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONY II -- Psalm 130:7-8, Psalm 95:1-2 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
FIRST SUNDAY -- THE CANDLE OF HOPE
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE -- Luke 1:68-79, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:26-38 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE CALL
EPIPHANY SERVICE -- John 1:14 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE BLESSING OF THE GIFTS
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE -- Psalm 103:1-5 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
The season of Lent is the time in between two important celebrations of the Christian church.
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE -- Isaiah 53:1-9, Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 23:35-43, John 19:25-27 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
A THREE-HOUR SERVICE ON THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRISTSILENT MEDITATION

Marriage Ceremony

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A SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Memorial

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MEMORIAL SERVICE -- Psalm 103 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Men's Day

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LITANY FOR MEN'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: You made us male and female in your image and we praise you, dear God.

Mother's Day

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LITANY FOR MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: God of tender care, on this day of celebration, we praise you for our mothers.

Observance

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Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Free Access

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Prayer

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NOONTIME PRAYER SERVICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Sacrament

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BAPTISM OF AN ADULT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING
AN ORDER FOR CONFIRMATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE MEANING OF CONFIRMATION
CELEBRATING THE APPOINTMENT OF A PASTOR -- Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:11-16 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of th
CELEBRATION OF MUSIC MINISTRY -- Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Psalm 100 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"O come let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Thanksgiving Day

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THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION -- Psalm 67:1, 3-7, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This service has been written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Thanksgiving Prayer

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FOR SAFE ARRIVAL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We thank you, gracious God, for your presence with us on our journey, and for your loving care which
FOR SAFE RETURN FROM A PERILOUS JOURNEY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God our protector, by your guidance and in your presence we have made it to the end of this journey.
FOR SAFE DELIVERY AFTER A DIFFICULT PREGNANCY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all life, who delivered our ancestors through toil and trouble, we thank you for the safe del
FOR SUCCESSFUL SURGERY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Jesus, who healed the sick and cured all manner of diseases, we thank you for your healing to
FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL OR EXAM -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Wisdom God, we thank you for opening our minds to the understanding of the lessons that we have been
FOR COMPLETION OF THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Jesus, you who gave us a new model of family, thank you for bringing ______________ into our
FOR A COUPLE STARTING OUT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come together in your love, O God, thanking you for the love we feel for each other that has brou
FOR A COUPLE REUNITED AFTER SEPARATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of grace and glory, we come in thanksgiving for the fresh opportunity you have given us to live
FOR A NEW HOME -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gentle Jesus, who yourself was without a permanent home, we thank you for this home that you have pr
FOR SATISFACTION OF A MORTGAGE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Generous God, you have provided for us through all the years, and you have brought us to this moment
FOR A NEW JOB -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of the ages, who gave us hands to work for you, minds to receive your thoughts and hearts to do
FOR A NEW CAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We thank you, O God, for this vehicle, which you have provided for us to travel as we go about our l

Unison Prayer

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MORNING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you for the new day, for the morning sun and the sparkling dew.
ANY TIME DURING THE DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the hours of day that have come and gone, we give you grateful thanks, O God.
EVENING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
As the sun sinks silently from our view, and as the evening stars begin to appear, we come to you in
CHURCH MEETING OPENING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have come together, Holy One, bringing the gifts you give us to be used in the service of your ch
END OF MEETING CLOSING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the time we have spent in your presence here, we give you thanks, O God.
CHURCH SCHOOL PROMOTION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have reached another milestone of learning, dear God, and we give you thanks for all that has bee
CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Great teacher, you called your disciples together and imparted your Word to them so that they might
WORKERS IN THE CHURCH -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, God, for these persons who have been called to the various offices in your church.
NEW PASTOR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Lord, we thank you for all those who have served as pastors in this church over the years.
FOR MOTHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Life-giving God, whose tender care has defined for all time the role of mothers, we give you thanks
MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God, our mother, thank you for the human mothers you have placed in our lives.
MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gentle God, you nurture us in the womb of your compassion, you feed us from your storehouse of love,
FOR FATHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God our creator, the source of all life, we thank you for those whom we call father.
FATHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Father of all, we celebrate your gift of fatherhood this day.
FATHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all, you model for us the qualities that we would want in our fathers.
FOR PARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God, our mother and our father, we bless you for the fullness of care provided by our parents.
FOR PARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Heavenly parent, you made us in your image and likeness, and set the example of care and nurture for
FOR GRANDPARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, you have blessed us with these special persons, our grandparents, who have been a have
A NEW YEAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all seasons, who gives us the minutes and hours and days of our lives, we come to you in this
CHRISTMAS GATHERING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We gather in festive joy gracious God, celebrating the birth of our Savior and the gift of life you
CHRISTMAS DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Giver of all gifts, for the gift of your son Jesus Christ as a child into our world, for the gift of
CLOSING OF A YEAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come again, dear God, to the close of a year.
FOR PEACE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Life-giving God, whose desire for your children is that we live together in harmony, grant us peace
FOR JUSTICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of the ages, you who desire justice for all people, look with compassion upon those for whom jus
FOR DISCERNMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
O Wisdom on high, open our eyes to your truth, open our ears to your word, open our minds to your pr

Wedding Vow

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RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Women's Day

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LITANY FOR WOMEN'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: Creator of life, you call us women and men to be full persons in your sight.

Worship

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MORNING WORSHIP -- Psalm 100 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"New every morning is the love our waking and uprising proves, through sleep and darkness safely bro
EVENING WORSHIP -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
CALL TO WORSHIP
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Free Access

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Worship Service

SermonStudio

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Free Access

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

Special Occasion

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