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Thanksgiving Day - B

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Children's Activity

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The most valuable thing -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Instructions
Don't worry! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Teachers or Parents: Worry is something that permeates our
Give Thanks! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Teachers or Parents: Giving thanks is such an important

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Thanks For What? -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Thanksgiving is one of the most blessed, most anticipated, and most dreaded holidays on our calendar
Reversal of Fortune -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
Of course, we never quite return to the way things were -- because we have been changed by good fort
Three Impossible Things Before Breakfast -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
In the book “Through the Looking Glass,” by Lewis Carroll, the chess pieces come to life, including
Thanking God for worries as well as blessings -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2015
As folks bow their heads in prayers of thanksgiving, both in worship and at home, there is the tende
Be glad -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
At the founding of our country, George Washington issued a presidential proclamation establishing Th
He doth provide -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- David Kalas -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Henry Alford's familiar hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," so often sung at this
Be glad -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2000
At the founding of our country, George Washington issued a presidential proclamation, establishing T
Praising God -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1997
I learned a lesson about thanksgiving while working as a parish pastor.
Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1994
dden It would be difficult to find in literature any description of the devastating effect of a p

Children's sermon

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Seek First! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Object: A colorful flower like a Bird of Paradise or something with an interesting-
Don't Waste a Good Worry! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
Thank you, God -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (v.
Be Thankful 365 Days a Year -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2015
The Point: Recognize things that you are thankful for and be thankful always
Seek Ye First -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Anna Shirey -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: This is a very familiar verse to most of us and a good reminder for Thanksgiv
The sowing and the reaping -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2011
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows boun
Diversity -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
Bird nest improvements -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heave
They are precious in his sight -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is Thanksgiving and it is a very special day.
The most valuable thing -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Happy Thanksgiving, boys and girls!
Only one -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Good morning! The Bible tells us that there is only one
Don't worry! -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Good morning! Why are we here in church on a Thursday
S.P.I.T. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Today is Thanksgiving! It is a day we set aside to do what?
Give Thanks! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Today is Thanksgiving and I want to ask each of you what you

The Immediate Word

Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2024) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Joel 2:21-27
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2021) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
Joel 2:21-27
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2018) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
Joel 2:21-27 and Psalm 126
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2015) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2015
Joel 2:21-27
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
NULL -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
There is an ecological dimension to this text (concern with the land).
NULL -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
A couple traveling in Europe wanted to stop in and see a famous Jewish rabbi who happened to live ne
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
One year Thanksgiving plans were cancelled for the Husings.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Timothy didn't fail! That is one reason the church grew so fast in those early years!
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
In the tradition of what was started by Leymah Gbowee, 2012 Nobel Peace Laureate, the women of Liber
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
In July 2012 at a Sotheby's auction, Edvard Munch's painting The Scream was sold for $120 mil
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Arthur Gordon was a writer who helped many people on their own spiritual journeys, yet he had his ow
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Martin Luther provides compelling images about this text: "Day and night everybody's concern is how
When the primal Celtic tribe... -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
When the primal Celtic tribe of Tuatha de Danaan first established their people in Ireland,
The young boy asked his... -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
The young boy asked his grandma why she was always so happy. It seemed strange to
Wally stood in the midst... -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Wally stood in the midst of his cornfield in disbelief. The night before, a thunderstorm
Do you picture God as... -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Do you picture God as a grumpy grandpa? Or as an irritable prude? A stern Superman
Signs beside the highway are... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Signs beside the highway are scattered across the western United States informing
The author of 1 Timothy... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
The author of 1 Timothy urges us to pray for those in authority. The Episcopal church
There is a funny story... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
There is a funny story about Harry who was on his deathbed. He turned to his wife, Ethel,
George McDonald gives us something... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
George McDonald gives us something to ponder at Thanksgiving. "Let me, if I may, be
The writer, Annie Dillard, in... -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
The writer, Annie Dillard, in one of her short but powerful books, tells the story of the ill-
The writer, Annie Dillard, in... -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
The writer, Annie Dillard, in one of her short but powerful books, tells the story of the ill-
Babies cry for any number... -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Babies cry for any number of reasons. They might be colicky -- a condition that leaves

StoryShare

Don't Worry. Be Happy. -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or

Poems

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
It’s a very nice thing to be thank-full.When you’re full, thanks is easy to say.

Preaching

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhy we should be thankful. Collect of the Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Psalm 126 -- James Evans -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering.
Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings.
Thanksgiving -- Psalm 126 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1993
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
The liturgical clue comes from the secular calendar, rather than the church year - with an assist fr
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
The liturgical clue comes from the secular calendar, rather than the church year - with an assist fr
Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Seasonal Theme

The Immediate Word

Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Sermon

SermonStudio

The End of Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2011
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall dri
When Grace Dances -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
The church has been given some fine texts for Thanksgiving but, like all texts, they require a conte
Oh, The Things We Worry About! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Steven Molin -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
I extend to you and your families a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.
The Great Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
It is not only Thanksgiving Day, but a day of thanksgiving.
Dusting Off Our Gratitude -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In the Deep South there is a most unusual monument paying homage to, of all things, the boll weevil.
Our Prayers Are Our Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
Lilies Of The Field -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In 1635, the Puritan clergyman, Roger Williams, was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for promo
The God Who Never Lets Go Of Us -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
The prophets of antiquity faced problems no different from the soothsayers of today: what language c
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
Thanks -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city.
Thankful Living -- Joel 2:21-27 -- John A. Stroman -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
Joel informs the people of Judah that God has willed that humankind should have abundant life.
No Freudian Slip! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
It's late afternoon but it is still several hours before supper is served. You are hungry.
When It's Hard To Give Thanks -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) was the first black artist to acquire an international reputation in
It Is Blessed To Receive -- Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 17:11-19 -- William G. Carter -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
In the small town of Mapleville, the ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service was poorly attended.
Good Powers Wonderfully Hidden -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1993
Our gospel lesson is part of the Sermon on the Mount.
Bugs -- Joel 2:21-27 -- John P. Rossing -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1993
The title of this Thanksgiving sermon is "Bugs." It's a sermon about bugs - in particular, about a b

The Immediate Word

Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Stories

StoryShare

Don't Worry. Be Happy. -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
The Feast Awaits -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
Contents“The Feast Awaits” by Peter Andrew Smith
Giving Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
Morris stared at the plain white tiles of the hospital ceiling and wondered how much longer he would
The Power Of Now -- Matthew 6:25-33, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126 -- Keith Wagner -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2015
Contents "The Power of Now" by Keith Wagner
Render Unto Caesar -- Matthew 6:25-33, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann, Zan W. Holmes Jr., David O. Bales -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Contents"Render Unto Caesar" by Frank Ramirez
Senior Highs Aren't Dumb -- Matthew 6:25-33, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Thanksgiving Communion -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Thanksgiving Communion"
A Thanksgiving Reflection -- Matthew 6:25-33, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Joel 2:21-27, Psalm 126 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Frank R. Fisher -- Thanksgiving Day - B
NOTE: This installment covers both Thanksgiving Day and Christ The King Sunday.

SermonStudio

Winning Over Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Of all the living things that God created, human beings are the only ones that worry.
Filled With Laughter -- Psalm 126 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
Filled With Laughter
We Gather Together -- Psalm 126 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
The aromas were inviting. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberries.
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.

Worship

SermonStudio

God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
Theme: Have No Fear -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:26-28) One:
Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Lord Provides -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
At The Root -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us give thanks for the wonderful blessings of God!
Do Not Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
No Need to Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power

The Immediate Word

Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
UPCOMING WEEKS
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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.

CSSPlus

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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