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First Sunday of Advent - A

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Children's sermon

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Shoemaker... or Elves? -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
"The night is far gone, the day is near.
Be prepared -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
"And they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of
The right time -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. (v.
Preparing -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (v.
Keep alert -- Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Good morning, boys and girls. I have a question for the children who go to school.
When Jesus comes back -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Good morning! We just had Thanksgiving ten days ago.
Wake up! -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Most of us sleep with a pillow under our heads.
Seeing the future -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you like my special hat?

The Immediate Word

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro

Children's Activity

Children's bulletin

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

School of rock(s) -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly.
The day is the way! -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Adventus, "Coming!" That Latin word sounds like the theme for the four weeks ahead of us.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Charles Darwin in... -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Charles Darwin in the 1830s theorized the concept of natural selection and the succeeding concept of
Christ came into... -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Christ came into the world to forgive sin.
The text refers... -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The text refers to the darkness and drunkenness/addictions of the present age, calling us to get rea
We can preach... -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
We can preach from our pulpits with confidence about the consequence of sin, and we can often be mor
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters... -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters.
Tomorrow Dick will be ringing a bell... -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Tim Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Tomorrow Dick will be ringing a bell in front of a local store for the tenth year.
It's interesting how works of darkness... -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It's interesting how works of darkness seem to like the night.
College students get a little anxious... -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
College students get a little anxious before their parents come to visit.
The day and the hour did come... -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
The day and the hour did come. Even if it was long delayed.

The Immediate Word

The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s

Worship

SermonStudio

Bulletin Insert for First Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
First Sunday In Advent Advent Wreath Service Reader A:
First Sunday In Advent -- Psalm 122 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: Reader A:
First Sunday In Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: Reader A:
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: Reader A:
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsSleepers Wake (PH17, UM720, LBW31)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Walk In The Light Call To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 13:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Time To Wake Up Call To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Ready -- The Son Of Man Is Coming Call To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

Sermon

SermonStudio

Ruining The Christmas Spirit -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
This morning is the first Sunday of Advent, and therefore the first Sunday of the church year.
Expectancy -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas decorations are beginning to appear everywhere and the children are getting excited.
Isaiah, Advent, And Human Hopefulness -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
In Jill St.
Swept Away! -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It's the same year after year.
Did You Send That E-mail, God? -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Knowing When To Wake Up
When We Don't Know -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man wh
The Christmas Prophet -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Isaiah. It's a strong name. A good Hebrew name.
All Creation Yawns -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Frank Luchsinger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
It is early morning, one sleeper turns to the other, an eye half opened, "Do you know what time it
How Unexpected Can Christmas Be? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The temptation is to dismiss these words from Matthew. After all, how do they pertain to us?
A Baby Isn't Quite What We Expected -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- R. Glen Miles -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
I hope you noticed the sermon title. It seems to be a little out of place, doesn't it? A baby?

Preaching

SermonStudio

First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, RC, E)
The Attitude of Readiness -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E, L)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, E, L, RC)
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

The Immediate Word

Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004 Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Poems

Stories

SermonStudio

Danielle's Laughter -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Five-year-old Danielle, along with her younger sister and brother, arrived in time for Sunday School
Come, Lord Jesus -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Two women lay in their beds on the third floor of a downtown nursing home.

StoryShare

An Awakening -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - A
StoryShare Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt

Drama

Devotional

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's Story

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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