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I am the vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Telling the truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I'm going to ask you a question and I want you
Bitter medicine -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B
Peter and the other followers of Jesus didn't want Jesus to suffer.
Table Scraps -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's
The Spirit is truth -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
What's Ash Wednesday? -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good evening! Why are we in church this Wednesday evening?
I want ... -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a (C) -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
When you go into a restaurant, the waiter or waitress will give you something called a "menu." Wha
Does God care? -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the
Jesus chose you -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what the word, "choose" means?
Resist the devil -- James 3:13-4:3, 7-8 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning! Does anybody know what these are? (Show the
Forgive one another -- Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you can tell time?
The Power of God Comes to Us -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - B
The Point: God sends us the power of the Holy Spirit that we might live as children
The best vitamin -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you take a vitamin in the morning when you eat breakfast?
A wonderful present! -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Today we begin the Advent season.
Thanksgiving in June -- 2 Corinthians 4:13 - 5:1 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this turkey remind you of?
Thank you for caring -- John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
God forever! -- Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! I love the comic section of the newspaper. Do you like the comics?
God is light -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Are any of you afraid of the dark?
Special books -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is a very special day. Do you know what we call this Sunday?
Waiting patiently -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Christmas is coming! I can't wait! Have you ever said that you "can't wait" for something?
A different kind of king -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Tell me what kind of crown a king wears.
The wind -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of like to be out in the wind?
Beginning -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! We are in the second Sunday of our new church year.
Clean hands, clean heart -- James 4:7-12 (13 - 5:6) -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a bar of soap with me this morning.
Special books -- Romans 8:22-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that v

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fred Craddock tells the story about a missionary family... -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Fred Craddock tells the story about a missionary family who served in China.
One day Branch Rickey, the general manager... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
One day Branch Rickey, the general manager of the then Brooklyn Dodgers major league baseball team,
Two chalices -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
I have noticed that in some churches there are two chalices present during communion.
Merriam Webster's first definition of witness... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Merriam Webster's first definition of witness is "attestation of a fact or an event." It then
Isaiah 60:1-6 br... -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2009
Isaiah 60:1-6
There is a story that... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2009
There is a story that comes from an American visitor who went to Uganda.
In order for lawyers to... -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
In order for lawyers to win a case in court, they need to have something they themselves cannot gene
This passage from Exodus comes... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
This passage from Exodus comes from the biblical instructions for the Passover Seder meal: it is to
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | OT 21 (2009) -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
My wife and I love... -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
My wife and I love to watch sheep dog trials.
George Gershwin was one of... -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
George Gershwin was one of the greatest of American composers, and "Rhapsody In Blue" is one of his
The sacrament of holy communion... -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
The sacrament of holy communion was being celebrated.
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13... -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Victor Hugo's lengthy novel Les... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Victor Hugo's lengthy novel Les Miserables begins with an act of grace.
Promises are for keeping. Every... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
Promises are for keeping.

The Immediate Word

Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in

StoryShare

A Church For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:46b-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"A Church for Christmas" by John Sumwalt
On The Lookout -- Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"On the Lookout" by Keith Hewitt
The Visitor -- Mark 1:4-11, Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Contents "The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt
Full Body Experience -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- C. David Mckirachan, Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents "Full Body Experience" by C. David McKirachan
The Visitor -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2011
Contents "The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - B
Seasonal Theme
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - B
Seasonal Theme
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - B
The Ascension of Our LordRevised CommonActs 1:1-11Ephesians 1:15-23
Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Seasonal Theme
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Eighth Sunday After The EpiphanyEighth Sunday In Ordinary TimeRevised Common
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - B
Theme For The Day
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - B
Theme For The Day
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Unclean Spirit -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
What's Happening?
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
This passage, according to Luke, Jesus quoted in his hometown church in Nazareth.
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
We are living in the days of the apostles again.
Kingdom Without End -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
"I'm the luckiest son-of-gun that ever was born," said the late Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona,
Death Shall Be No More -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Someone I love very much goes each year to a cemetery near her home, carrying a small teddy bear.
An Event That Evoked Extravagance -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Arguably, Bill Russell of Boston was the greatest basketball player of all time.
No Apology -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Sometimes it just takes boldness!
The Moral Compass -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
"Confession is good for the soul," so we say in Lent.
Church As Redemptive Community -- Acts 4:32-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Some people aren't comfortable with this passage because it seems to them to be a forerunner of cert
The House That God Builds! -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
My good friend and mentor, Dr.
Lyrics For The Centuries -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
When David received the report of the battlefield deaths of Saul and Jonathan, he expressed his sorr
Turning a Minus into a Plus -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
One of the finest minds in our country belongs to a man named Charles Merrill.
Bread In Our Baskets -- John 6:24-35 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
After the Lord's miraculous multiplying of the two fish and the loaves of bread, the crowd had seen
A Hands-on Religion -- Mark 1:40-45 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
A leper confronted Jesus and said to him, "If you want to, you can make me clean." I would imagine
Clean House -- John 2:13-25 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
The portrait of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Gospel appointed for this day has proven to be som
Another Kind Of Success -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Rags-to-riches stories have been popular in every time and place.
A Bad Temperament Can Kill You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Imagine, if you will, two children walking down a hallway at school.
The Sign For Home -- John 6:1-21 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
The crowd gathered because they saw the signs Jesus was doing for the sick.
The Power Of A Rumor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Most sermons on this text deal with one of two things: either a detailed account about the four
Hate Evil -- John 3:14-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
In the Holy Gospel appointed for today our Lord refers to the manner in which Moses "lifted up the s
R.S.V.P. -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?-- Isaiah 6:8b

Free Access

The Brink Of Eternity -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Creating a sermon is a funny thing.
What It Takes To Be A Winner -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
This text for the fifth Sunday of Epiphany is probably the most sublime passage of Scripture in the
Stay In The City -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
When Jesus leaves earth, in the Ascension, he advises that we stay in the city.
The Man With Two Umbrellas -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
The late Dr. J.
What's For Breakfast? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The testimony of Easter is that Jesus joins us again, on earth, after his resurrection from the dead
Through the Eye of a Needle -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the k

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

The Sheep and the Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Celebrating The Presence Of GodPastoral Invitation
The Season Of The Resurrection -- Wayne H. Keller
Liturgical Color: White(Easter to Pentecost)
The Season Of The Nativity -- Wayne H. Keller
ChristmasThe Season Of The NativityLiturgical Color: White
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael -- John 1:43-51 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Pastoral Invitation
The Calling of the First Disciples; the Call to Repent! -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Pastoral Invitation
The Peoples' Amazement at Jesus Teaching; Driving out an Evil Spirit. -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Pastoral Invitation
Jesus Heals Many -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Pastoral Invitation
Jesus Heals the Leper, and Warns Him Not to Tell Anyone -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Pastoral Invitation
Jesus Heals a Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and evangels)
Jesus Eating with "Sinners," and Jesus Questioned about Fasting. -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Wayne H. Keller
Alternative Idea
Epiphany -- Wayne H. Keller
EpiphanyThe Season Of The EvangelLiturgical Color: Green
The Last Hours of Jesus' Life -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - B
To prepare for Good Friday, reread the material for Ash Wednesday.

Free Access

The Calling of the First Disciples; the Call to Repent! -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Pastoral Invitation
The Baptism, Temptation, Preaching of Jesus -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Suggestion
Jesus Announces His Death to the Disciples -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
The Community Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

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