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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Life in the waiting lane -- Haggai 1:15b-2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2001
How long did it take you to get to work today?
From lamentation to larceny -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2001
Our texts today take us over a varied landscape.
Living forward in the present -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
"I felt almost guilty thinking too much of heaven." That is what David Burton, a Southern Baptist tu
Tuning the fourth turning -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
People often think more highly of themselves than their behavior in fact reflects.
Disciplines to live by -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Signs of hope, signs in life -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Perhaps it's time for the annual rant about the commercialization of Christmas, and the incredibly e
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Wannabes -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Peter Nichols' most recent book, A Voyage For Madmen, traces the journeys of nine men who, in
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Where will there be faith? -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2001
Will Our Children Have Faith? was the title of John H. Westerhoff III's book in 1976.
Finding ourselves in being found by Jesus -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
Socrates' famous dictum, "Know thyself," has been passed down through the ages in philosophy classes
Jilted in Jerusalem -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2001
If the lost is lost, it is not found. If it is found, it is no longer lost.
TEOTWAWKI -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2001
TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) speculation and predictions are nothing new.
After the handshake and the hug -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2001
The master brought his disciples into a darkened room with one instruction: "Find the truth." One di
Humbled by grace -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2001
In Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "It is part of the discipline of humility that
Called to a different life -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
The summer of 2000 was a devastating one for the western United States.
Jesus is the sign of the times -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
In our consumer culture, advertising plays an extremely vital role.
Fullness by any other name ... -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2001
"The whole experience was dirty, draining, and depressing." That's how George Stephanopoulos, in his
Help us! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
In the movie The Deep End of the Ocean, there is a toddler who is "lost" in a hotel lobby.
Call to repentance -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
There is more and more conversation these days about road rage and how rude our culture has become.
The glory of God -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2001
These are the longest hours of darkness.
A chance to be better -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2001
Missing the point of what Jesus is about is a common occurrence.
The unveiled glory of the gospel -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2001
Throughout the year there are special ceremonies in which certain people shine.
From much love comes much love -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
About this time of year, the seeds that were planted in the spring are sprouting up through the grou
Making no distinction -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
We are a people who love to differentiate ourselves from others.

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
Before the days of texting and Twitter, people actually had to talk with one another.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Ron Love -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
Perhaps Phillips Brooks has given us one of the best definitions of preaching when he wrote that pre
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
The good news of Easter is the heart of Christian faith.
NULL -- John 20:1-18 -- Bob Ove -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
It was a woman who first made contact with the risen Lord.
NULL -- John 20:1-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
Mary -- first to arrive and last to leave. Two others also:
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2013) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
There are days to remember: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Independence Day, tax day, election da
NULL -- Exodus 12 1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Whenever we see a lamb mentioned in the Old Testament, we think of Jesus, the lamb of God who was in
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Students of evolution have observed that sharing common rituals enhances trust and social solidarity
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
During the meeting of the Continental Congress, George Washington was the only attendee to wear a mi
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
It is said that mimicry is the highest form of flattery.
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
There is enough in this passage to fill your whole ministry!
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2013) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 5:27-32
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders to Peter's witness is in direct contradict
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory against the British, George Washington crossed the
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There are all sorts of keys: musical keys, piano keys, the top of the key on a basketball court, a k
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The seven churches are not listed until the next chapter.
It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith... -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The story of Doubting Thomas: It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith.
John Quincy Adamswould arise at 4 AM every day... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, would arise at 4 AM every day.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 3 (2013) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
NULL -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Radiation therapy seeks to burn out the cancer that is within the body.
NULL -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There are some people and some denominations that believe God only comes to us dramatically, as he d
NULL -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Reference to the praise offered by all living creatures and animals to God warrants ecological conce
NULL -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
When George Washington retired from public service as President of the United States, he returned to
NULL -- John 21:1-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There is a church in the inner city of Philadelphia that takes literally Jesus' command to "Feed my

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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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