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The Immediate Word

A Long-Distance Marriage -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Despite a brief firefight this past weekend, it seems that the United Nations-brokered ceasefire in
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
Every Perfect Gift -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
The recent arrest of a suspect in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case has reignited a media frenzy -- on
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Faithing Our Fears -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Fear -- and our varying responses to it -- will likely be one of the enduring legacies from Hurrican
Car-Nation And Christianity -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
What Does It Mean To Be Ready -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
The fact that such a beloved spokesperson for animals, Steve Irwin, died in such an accident, althou
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Listening To God Through Bird Flu -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
One of the distinguishing features of these first few years of the 21st century has been how much in
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
Hey! What's The Deal? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Although Jesus was God's only begotten Son he was not spared the endurance of pain, agony, suffering
A Preternaturally Gifted Triune God -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
As we make our way into the 21st century, our world faces a host of challenges that potentially enda
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step... -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2009
2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step on the crack, or you’ll break your mother’s back!” No wonder children are
The Back to Egypt Committee... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The "Back to Egypt Committee" is alive and well.
Armor is made out of... -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
Armor is made out of material we trust.
Acts 1:1-11br... -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2009
Acts 1:1-11
Alma was a daughter of... -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
Alma was a daughter of the Great Depression.
Janet's six-year-old son... -- John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Janet's six-year-old son, Jason, had declared his independence and stated that from now on he was ol
Clergy see it all too... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
Clergy see it all too often — families on one side of a marriage refusing to accept the choice their
One day Nicole was paging... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
One day Nicole was paging through a photo album of vacation pictures.
The centrality of love in... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The centrality of love in the Christian message matches the proven need for love in human life.
Storms on the water are... -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2009
Storms on the water are frightening to watch, much less be in.
The pastor regularly takes his... -- John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
The pastor regularly takes his confirmation class to the funeral home for a tour.
The basin of foot washing... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
The basin of foot washing is not the only basin in the story of Jesus' Passion. There is another.
Isaiah was a prophet in... -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2009
Isaiah was a prophet in a time of crisis for God’s people.
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a boy living in the country, Sonny thought his grandfather was some kind of w
In March 2008, the mayor... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
In March 2008, the mayor of a village in southwest France threatened residents with severe punishmen
New hymnals appear about every... -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
New hymnals appear about every 25 years, with a hymnal committee deciding which hymns to keep, what
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26... -- John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Most Sunday school children know... -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2009
Most Sunday school children know of David and Goliath. Fewer know of David’s adultery.
Like a wildfire. That's how... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2009
"Like a wildfire." That's how Eugene Peterson describes the Pentecost tongues of fire, in his Bible
On one of his first... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
On one of his first hospital visits in his first parish, Paul visited an old trapper named Jack.
Julian of Norwich believed that... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Julian of Norwich believed that "love" was the only word that could be used to describe God.
The Sea of Galilee was... -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2009
The Sea of Galilee was one of the fishing hot spots of the ancient world.
Today's reading in Acts sounds... -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Today's reading in Acts sounds like a wonderful dream, and at the same time it sounds like what was
Melvin acknowledges that Holy Week... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
Melvin acknowledges that Holy Week is a somber and subdued time as Christians recall the last earthy
In a certain village the... -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2009
In a certain village the school bell rang at 8:30 a.m. to call the children to class.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

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Preaching

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SermonStudio

Time Taken, Life Restored -- Mark 5:21-43 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
The woman had been sick for a very long time. So long, in fact, she didn't know what to do.
Easter Joy -- John 15:9-17 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A remarkable feature of Dwight D.
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
In 1967 Stanley Kramer produced and directed the Oscar-winning movie Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
The Giver Becomes The Receiver -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The text for today lifts before us Yahweh's choice of the family of David as the vehicle for God's d
Anybody Listening? -- Mark 6:1-13 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
His name was George, and he sat in the back row of the sanctuary on the preacher's right.
Easter Consecration -- John 17:6-19 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A. E. Hotchner has written an autobiographical account of his experience of the Great Depression.
From The Redemption Of A King To A King Of Redemption -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
A visitor once entered a large cathedral to spend some time in meditation.
Any E-Mail From God Today? -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
You and I live in a world of communication.
The Spice Of Death -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Good Friday draws us to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ that we might concentrate and meditate on
When Trouble Comes! -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Zan W. Holmes Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
One of the most realistic stories in the Bible is the story of Job and his troubles.
Will We Enjoy Heaven? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Many characters in the Bible prove identifiable in our contemporary world.
Sent From The Mountain -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
There is nothing like taking part in a worship service with 17,000 people.
Resist Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
The Holy Gospel for this First Sunday in Lent is the evangelist Mark's very brief account of the tem
When We Feel God Has Moved And Left No Forwarding Address -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
There are times in our lives when we have a greater awareness of God's absence than we do of God's p
Religious Load-Management -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
One of the major ingredients in any kind of endeavor is load-management.
Between The Parentheses -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- William G. Carter -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Whenever a preacher announces a sermon text from the book of Revelation, a lot of people grow nervou
Sent From The Mountain -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
There is nothing like taking part in a worship service with 17,000 people.
We Can't Contain God In Our Cups! -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
One morning a little girl sat at a kitchen table to eat breakfast with her mother and father.
Turning A Minus Into A Plus -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
One of the finest minds in our country belongs to a man named Charles Merrill.
When All Is Said And Done -- Mark 13:24-32 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
The Jehovah's Witnesses have changed their minds.
Take Up Your Cross -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Glenn Tinder, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, has writt
It Came To Pass -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
One of my father's favorite stories was about a Bible study class that shared their favorite Bible v
A Bad Temperament Can Kill You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Imagine, if you will, two children walking down a hallway at school.
Invitation To Community -- Mark 10:2-16 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
We have a problem today. Here we are, gathered at worship as the household of God.
Jesus Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-10 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Dr.

Stories

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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
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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.)

Special Occasion

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