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Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Prepare The Way -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Robin Lostetter, Paul Bresnahan, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 7, 2008)
God's Oil Change: From Mourning To Gladness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 14, 2008)
The Throne Of David -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-20 -- Robin Lostetter, Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 21, 2008)
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)

StoryShare

The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
Overture -- Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Keith Hewitt, Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Overture" by Keith Hewitt
The Days After Christmas -- Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In today's world, following James... -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
In today's world, following James' advice of accepting all others can be risky. Certainly,
Severe weather struck a working... -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Severe weather struck a working-class community in the next county. The church where
A pastor thought it clever... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
A pastor thought it clever to add a new section to the church's monthly newsletter. He
Mike and Sue had three... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
Mike and Sue had three children and were minimally involved in the church. As the kids
Salt is good; but if... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
"Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in
One of two accounts of... -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
One of two accounts of King David's last words is found in this lesson. The passage
Suppose you learned that actress... -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
Suppose you learned that actress Julia Roberts was coming to your worship service next
I was scared. I had... -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
I was scared. I had visited and prayed with someone at mammoth Los Angeles County-
Even today, when the French... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
Even today, when the French think of Charles de Gaulle they know that no one has
The Apprentice, the television show... -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
The Apprentice, the television show with Donald Trump, caught America's
It was a cold, wintry... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
It was a cold, wintry night when an older lady was on her deathbed. There were no
Last words are important. It... -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
Last words are important. It might be interesting to track down the last occurrences and
Courtney worked hard in math... -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
Courtney worked hard in math while in high school. Every good grade she got, she
A pastor in England took... -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
A pastor in England took leave of his congregation during WWI to be a chaplain to the
John Gillespie Magee Jr. was... -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
John Gillespie Magee Jr. was an American pilot serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force
Hearing the cost of discipleship... -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Hearing the cost of discipleship, the rich young ruler walked away sadly. He kept his
The temperature hit the low... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
The temperature hit the low 100s for the third day in succession. Kelsey sat listlessly on

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Spiritual Training -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Many years ago when I was at school, children tended to be divided into two groups.
Jesus' Message To Us -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
I sometimes catch those programmes on television which offer
God Is Different -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
A quick glance through the national paper will show you that all over the world, evil abounds.
Seeing Into The Soul -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
I was once given a mug for my birthday with the name "Janice" written on it.
Whenever I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I recently heard a Christian testimony.
Unwanted Gifts -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
The youth group wanted to express their Christianity in a practical way and hit upon a brilliant ide
Give Generously -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
In the early seventies, Ian (my husband) and I started a business together.
Who Does He Think He Is? -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
When I returned from my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, it felt a bit like a jigsaw puzzle wh
Salted With Fire -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
I can remember from my childhood and on many occasions since, the crestfallen feeling of having of
When A Cloud Overshadows You... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
In his now famous book, Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt tells the story of his miserable
Get Up, And Live Life To The Full -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
They say the camera never lies, but that's no longer true, as the Royal Family proved on that
Wise Christian Living -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Our diocese recently had a three-day residential clergy conference.
Open Wide Your Hearts -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
There was a story in our local paper recently about a local television newsreader who had visite
What Sort Of King? -- John 18:33-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
It seems to be true throughout life that those who are different are difficult to understand, and
The Role Of The Messenger -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
In Greek mythology, Hermes ("pile of marker stones") was the god of boundaries and of the travellers
Food, Glorious Food! -- John 6:24-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
I recently spent a week in the Western Highlands of Scotland, where the scenery is breathtaking.
Wise Men -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
I suspect that for most people, Christmas was well and truly over by January 2nd, and a return
'... Only Believe, And You Will See That Christ Is All In All To Thee.' -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
As a child, I would amuse myself in church by flicking through the hymnbook.
On Whose Authority? -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Recently, we had a moving and impressive confirmation service at a local church.
What Is Truth? -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Soon after I arrived as a relatively inexperienced priest in a previous parish, I was called out
Things Could Change -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
For many people, childhood memories of Christmas are of a time of great excitement and fun and
Experiencing The God Within -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Today we celebrate Epiphany, the time when the Wise Men, astrologers, Magi, kings -- call them what
Wish List For The Future -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
When I take a wedding service or a baptism service, I like to offer a few moments of silence
Obeying God's Commandments -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
At a recent Bible study of Hebrews, we were introduced to the idea of Jesus as a pioneer, since
Were His Prayers Heard? -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
When I went over to Sweden in February with a Diocesan party of ten priests, I was amazed to

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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"The Cell" by Keith Hewitt
"Angels Among Us" by Constance Berg
"The Perfect Imperfect Pageant" by Gregory L. Tolle


* * * * * * * * *

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.

David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by identifying himself as one who was "set apart for the gospel of God." The underlying Greek word, which we traditionally translate "gospel," is euaggelion.

The "eu" prefix is familiar to us. We know it from English words like euphemism, eulogy, and euphoria. In biblical Greek, as in our contemporary usage of the prefix, "eu" means "good."

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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.)
Good morning! In the Gospel reading we heard that an angel
appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that he was to name
the baby who would be born to Mary "Jesus." (Show them the card
with Jesus written on it.) Now why do you think the angel told
him to use that name? Why didn't he want the baby to be named
Fred or Harry or Bob? (Let them answer.)

It has to do with the meaning of the name "Jesus." Does
anybody know what the name means? (Let them answer.) The name

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