Login / Signup

B

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

Commentary

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Much to Alice's dismay she... -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Much to Alice's dismay she discovered that her fifteen-year-old daughter was experimenting with drug
Johnny was a talker, and... -- James 1:17-27 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2009
Johnny was a talker, and even though his talk often got him into trouble, he didn’t seem to learn.
An only son, Jonathan, had... -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
An only son, Jonathan, had been groomed all his life to take over the family business after graduati
In Victor Hugo’s classic, Les... -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2009
In Victor Hugo’s classic, Les Misérables, woodcutter Jean Valjean finds himself in a desperate situa
Acts 4:32-35br... -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 4:32-35
Franciscan priest Richard Rohr describes... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Franciscan priest Richard Rohr describes what faith is not, and what it is:
When the telephone rang just... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
When the telephone rang just after three o’clock in the morning Carl knew it was bad news.
Roy recalls that early in... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Roy recalls that early in his Christian journey he was encouraged to read the Bible.
Because of a funeral, the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
Because of a funeral, the pastor arrived Saturday night, a day late to the high school retreat, and
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 br... -- 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
Tonight we stand at the... -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
Tonight we stand at the foot of the cross.
When perusing a bookstore’s novels... -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
When perusing a bookstore’s novels, one of my critical “inspection points” is the first word on page
It was generally conceded that... -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
It was generally conceded that Mrs. M was a tough coach.
I grew up knowing about... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2009
I grew up knowing about pests in the house: flies, moths, ants, and mosquitoes.
The novel, A Thousand Splendid... -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, follows the life of the two wives of an abusive man in A
Consider the bag of potato... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2009
Consider the bag of potato chips. It’s marvelous, really.
Names are a big deal... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Names are a big deal in Christianity.
The 1975 newspaper clipping of... -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
The 1975 newspaper clipping of a young man’s election as a county commissioner takes on a new sense
Acts 3:12-19br... -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 3:12-19
Dave took his daughter to... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Dave took his daughter to the doctor's office. Daphne could not get over her bad cold.
Brad was no good, or... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
Brad was no good, or so thought most of the townsfolk.
In his novel, Shoeless Joe... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
In his novel, Shoeless Joe, Ray Kinsella hears a voice but it isn't a voice from heaven.
We like to be the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
We like to be the home team. The home team knows the field.
Genesis 9:8-17 Fred... -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Genesis 9:8-17
Clarence Jordan wrote The Cotton... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Clarence Jordan wrote The Cotton Patch Gospel, a version of the New Testament in the dialect

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

SermonStudio

Preparation Without A Deadline -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Glenn Schoonover -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
How do you prepare for some big event when you lack one of the
Remember Who(se) You Are -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
Water! Water is the most distinguishing characteristic of our planet
The Spirit's Tether -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
Young Amos was a servant boy who, as an orphan, had attached himself to the Galilee travelers.
Solomon's Song Of Love -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Sue Anne Steffey Morrow -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1993
It was summer heaven on the mountain.
Changing The Rules -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Robert L. Salzgeber -- 1993
When I was a camp director the rules of long established and understood games were constantly being
Once And For All; Again And Again -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
I was thrilled to get the call that Angie had had her baby and
Call Waiting -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
Samuel was one of those children born rather late in the life
Walking Through A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
Simon was in control of the boat. He was the oldest, and besides it was his boat.
Wisdom In A Proverb -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Sue Anne Steffey Morrow -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
What is a proverb?
The Spiritual Organ Of Corti -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Robert L. Salzgeber -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
Jonah went in the opposite direction of that in which God wanted him to go.
Source Of Light -- And Life -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
We are not the only people who light important candles at this
Mary's Awe: The Magnificat -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
It is not easy to imagine our way into the heart and mind of
We Know Jonah -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1993
In the spring and summer of 1992, the world was shocked by
Living By Faith And Trust -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1993
Jairus' little daughter was the sweetest child in the whole village. Everyone said so.
God As Wisdom -- Proverbs 1:20-33; (4:1-9; 8:1-12) -- Sue Anne Steffey Morrow -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1993
If someone like me were to ask someone like you, "How do you imagine God?" what would you answer?
God's Math: Lose Life = Save It -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Robert L. Salzgeber -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1993
When self-preservation is our central aim, we are never safe.
Self-esteem For A Savior -- Mark 1:7-11 -- Glenn Schoonover -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
What purpose would it serve for Jesus to hear God speaking
A Prophet Like Me -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
Most people have a rather warped view of the biblical
Walking The familiar -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
There was still a slick of morning moisture covering the path into the town as Eli and Samuel walked
Who Can Find A Virtuous Woman? -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Sue Anne Steffey Morrow -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
School girls we were, dressed in the school colors, green and white, jumpers, blazers, pullover.
A Formula For Greatness -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Robert L. Salzgeber -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
Following the creation of man and woman, it is not surprising in Genesis 1:28 to find guidelines as
Faith Is A Referral -- John 1:35-42 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
Most couples can remember who introduced them and when. The
Feeling Down And Looking Up -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1993
The scripture for today is from the portion of Isaiah which
A Solitary Witness -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
The raw skin on Marcus' ankle was still bleeding as he began work in Herod's palace.
It Just Isn't fair -- Job 1:1, 2:1-10 -- John P. Rossing -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
Job is a fascinating book.

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

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.

CSSPlus

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

Wildcard SSL