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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

A week to preach up -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
I was still just a boy when I felt my call to the ministry. At the time, my father gave me a
The end or the beginning? -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
What does it feel like for you and your congregation this Sunday after Easter? I suspect
Serenity now! -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35, Psalm 148 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Reading the texts for this Sunday I am reminded of the episode from the television series,
Guess who's at the door -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
It's a picture of God that we see again and again throughout the pages of scripture.
Coronation day -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
A successful businessman had built up his corporation from a whim and a dream to a
Locked in a room with open doors -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26, Psalm 97 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
About 25 years ago, Ernest Campbell, former preaching minister at New York's
Beyond the creed -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2007
Many of the adults in my church -- and perhaps many in yours, too -- were required to
Prism view -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2007
Five fine crystal ornaments hang in one window of our home. We received them as gifts
Vital signs -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17, Psalm 146 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2007
When President Warren Harding died suddenly, making Calvin Coolidge president of the
Preaching to the choir -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
We preachers are sometimes confused about our audience.
Learning hard lessons -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
Arthur Clutton-Brock, who was for many years an art critic for the London
Passing the mantle -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
Just about any time I find myself sitting in a pew rather than standing at the pulpit during
What must I do? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
The Philippian jailor does not appear in any of our selected readings for this Sunday, but
Why we do the things we do -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
Shortly after their conversion to Christianity years ago, friends of mine were looking for
A man for one season -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In 1967, the Academy Award for Best Picture was awarded to A Man for All
Songs of joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
A colleague of mine once decried the way that people in his congregation wished to sing
The Christmas crisis -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:47-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This Sunday, more than most, the heat is on to get the meaning right, hit our stride, and
Birth announcement -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Psalm 97 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Christmas Day. For many of us, it is the fondest day of the year. As children, the holiday
Wise child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Often a child's perspective is uncannily wise because his/her logic is so direct. A woman
Coming in waves -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
A major military operation is not a simple thing. No longer do we simply line up our
Wedding bells -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
A former US president and his wife were reputed to have visited their old hometown and
Primal urge -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 19 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
The texts set before us all have to do with encountering the primal and basic core of
Blocking and tackling -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30, Psalm 71:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
On a typical NFL football team, there are some players who get all the attention and
Looking down to see heaven -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Some mornings, when I ride my bike, the world is still very dark. I have to pick my way
In vane, in vain, in vein -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
These texts deal with the vanity of life. Jeremiah lived in a time when the world, as he

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus reminds us that we... -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Jesus reminds us that we do not have a moment to waste, we need to be prepared.
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2014) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sometimes there is hard... -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Sometimes there is hard service we are asked to perform for our sins.
His fever rose daily until... -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
His fever rose daily until it hit 105 degrees and finally his family took him to the hospital.
When the Panama Canal... -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
When the Panama Canal was originally built it was designed to accommodate a ship three times larger
Impatience with God... -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Impatience with God, the feelings of those addressed in the first century by the lesson, is the huma
Teaching concerning baptism... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Teaching concerning baptism differs within the Christian world.
So often we find the... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
So often we find the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New.
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2014) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
The Ice Bucket Challenge... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
The Ice Bucket Challenge was on social media for several weeks before it became associated as a way
Racial and gender imbalances... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Racial and gender imbalances continue to plague our nation.
How many of us are always... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
How many of us are always happy?
Giving thanks in all situations... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Giving thanks in all situations certainly is not easy.
U.S. Census Bureau statistics... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
U.S.
In a The Family Circus... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a The Family Circus comic strip by Bil Keane, Billy and Jeffy are walking on the sidewalk.
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Nathan the prophet tells... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Nathan the prophet tells David that God loves him and sees his lineage going on forever.
After David had a chance... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
After David had a chance to relax and think, he compared his house to the one they had given the Lor
Paul claims that the incarnation... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Paul claims that the incarnation has long been kept a mystery. It still is hard to believe.
In a Frank & Ernest comic... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a Frank & Ernest comic strip by Bob Thaves, two little boys are sitting in a backyard.
The word "virgin" in Hebrew... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
The word "virgin" in Hebrew can also mean "young woman." But if we translate this passage "young wom
In this scripture lesson... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In this scripture lesson Mary is startled by an angel, but more startling is the announcement the an
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2014) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 9:2-7
Richard Flanagan wrote a book... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Richard Flanagan wrote a book titled The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
There is a lot of imbalance... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
There is a lot of imbalance of power in American society.

Political Pulpit

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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.
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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