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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Married to God -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
For this Sunday, the lessons have a positive, happy view, as might be expected in this season of Epi
When the predictions become reality -- Isaiah 66:16-23, Hebrews 12:18-24, Luke 13:22-30 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Most of the time, I think the predictions of the Bible, especially those related to the coming of th
When silence is not golden! -- Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
The avalanche of dealings we have had these past weeks with sin, impending judgment and the call for
God of the ages -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
What is the relationship between the past, the present, and the future?
Prophets -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Unfortunately for us the word "prophet" has come to be a kind of category word that embraces a
No Free Ride -- Malachi 4:1-6, Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
In Luke 12 the story is told of a rich man who had more than he knew what to do with.
Holding up when sag-time strikes -- Luke 18:1-8, Exodus 17:8-13 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Plop! Plop!
From God to us -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
There will be a lot of present-opening these days.
A share of the Spirit -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
"Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." Now there is a bit of sage advice tha
Hearers of the Terrible Words -- Isaiah 66:18-23, Hebrews 12:18-24, Luke 13:22-30 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
If one is not careful, she can so focus attention on the terrible judgmental words of the selections
Costly Discipleship -- Isaiah 50:4-10, James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18, Mark 8:27-35 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
One of the great tragedies that has befallen the modern Christian church is the current-day movement
Opposites -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
The traditional symbol for drama was two masks, one for comedy with the mouth wide and corners turne
Do you see what I see? -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Sellers will sometimes advertise with the initials "WYSIWYG" -- What you see is what
"X" marks the spot -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 119:129-136 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
God works in hidden ways.
Baptism -- Isaiah 61:1-4, Acts 8:14-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Most of the time we hear the evangelistic declaration that baptism is a rite of cleansing, a sign of
The old and the new -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
The beginning of a new church year and a new lectionary series from the Gospel of Luke set me to mus
For there's no other way -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 50:7-15 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
When I sit down to plan the worship services for this Sunday, I will start by penciling in John H.
Snake oil religion and tunnel vision -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Browsing through a friend's collection of antique botties I came across a bottle of patent medicine.
More than meets the eye -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
In many congregations this Sunday after Labor Day marks the transition from the lessened activity of
Search and preserve mission -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," says the bumper sticker.
Faithful finances -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Reformation Sunday - C
They are almost universally despised and ridiculed in our country, but it is impossible to avoid at
System requirements -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Before you buy a new piece of software, you check the side of the box where it lists the system requ
Looking For God In Miracles -- 1 Kings 17:17-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
"If only things like that would happen once again.
The Blood -- Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
One of the interesting things about blood, as it is presented in the New Testament, is the fact that
Transfiguration or disfiguration -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
The transfiguration plunges us into the kind of text that many preachers would rather avoid if possi

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Our lesson is all about giving, not about how much to give, but the spirit of giving.
NULL -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Billy Sunday was a major league baseball player turned evangelist.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Does prayer work? Hannah prayed and trusted God; she received a son.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
"God's not answering my prayer. Why don't my children call me or visit?
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Juan Manuel Santos is Colombia's turnaround man.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
We all have favorites. Jesus' favorite disciple was John.
NULL -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all th
NULL -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Our lesson suggests that the sacrifice of Christ gives confidence to enter into the presence of God
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Yoga instructor Alice Van Ness was terminated from her position at the Menlo Park campus of Facebook
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
What happened to peace on earth? Why do we have to put up with all these birth pangs?
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Solomon built the first temple, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in the sixth century.
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Question: What state records the greatest number of earthquakes along with volcanic eruptions
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Howard Stern wrote an editorial in which he expressed his admiration for the professionalism of Matt
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
The image of a rock is often used in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah) to speak of God
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
What will our last words be? What will we leave to our children? Those words of David give me hope.
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
How is Christ king in light of all the evil that still plagues us, all the suffering, war, and injus
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Eugene Peterson not only produces Bible translations, he also is a poet.
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
There is no jihad in Christianity.
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Las Vegas is the prime destination for trade shows.
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Pilate exemplifies what Winston Churchill once observed: "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, b
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Three-year-old Benjamin pranced around wearing his Burger King crown.
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2012) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Joel 2:21-27

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UPCOMING WEEKS
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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 -

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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!

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