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Thanksgiving Day - C

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Children's Activity

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Hare-brained -- John 6:25-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
No more hunger -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
"What's more important?" -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Thanksgiving is a good time to look at
Bread from heaven -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Ask the children why Jesus calls himself
Thanks to God -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Ask about birthday and Christmas gifts.
Never hungry again -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Materials:Paper platesPre-made finger sandwiches

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:25-35 -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:25-35 -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Only the Grateful Believe -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful.
Filled With The Bread of Life -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
One of the joys of Thanksgiving is having a reason to give thanks to our Creator.
Winter is Coming -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
The end of the Christian year is at hand. In the natural world, autumn is fading into winter.
Reflecting our story -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- David Coffin -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Imagine a family sitting down at the table around the Thanksgiving meal.
Party time! -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
During the Middle Ages, parts of Europe had a wonderfully unusual annual celebration called the Feas
Grown-up gratitude -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Every parent has been through it. As your child gets bigger and
The secret of a perfect Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Mehmed II was the great Ottoman conqueror who captured Constantinople in 1453.
Grown-up gratitude -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
Every parent has been through it.
Don't mention it? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1998
Saying "thank you" is something we do ten, twenty, thirty times a day.

Free Access

Only the Grateful Believe -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:25-35 -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:25-35 -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C

Children's sermon

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Being Thank You! -- John 6:25-35 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.
Thank You! -- John 6:25-35 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Object: Little paper sacks of food, such as small cookies.
Forever Bread -- John 6:25-35 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.
Hot Bread! -- John 6:25-35 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
How many of you have ever smelled fresh bread baking?  It makes you so hungry.  Maybe you will have
The Meal That Never Ends -- John 6:25-35 -- Anna Shirey -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Happy thoughts -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, w
Hare-brained -- John 6:25-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (v. 4)
No more hunger -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be
Giving thanks -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Good morning! Who can tell me what today is? (Let them
What's more important? -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Good morning! In the Gospel reading today, we heard about a
Think thankful thoughts -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Today please pretend with me that this is a crystal ball. Some
Bread from heaven -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
We all know what bread is. We eat bread all the time. One day
Thanks to God -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
When someone does something nice to me or for me, I like to
Rejoice! -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
Never hungry again -- John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
br>Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.

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Being Thank You! -- John 6:25-35 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2022) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 100
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2019) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2016) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, R. Robert Cueni, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Are we in the land... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Are we in the land that the Lord has given us?
The Hebrew people were... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
The Hebrew people were given instructions on how to conduct a harvest celebration with a spirit of t
In the comic strip... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
In the comic strip by the same name, Frank and Ernest are coming out of a high school, math class.
Giving thanks makes... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Giving thanks makes you happy.
"Sir, give us this... -- John 6:25-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
"Sir, give us this bread always." Were the disciples being a tad bit selfish? It's understandable.
We don't care about... -- John 6:25-35 -- Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
We don't care about miracles as long as God puts bread on the table.
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Deuteronomy 26:1-11Those in the creative arts, such as musicians, songwriters,
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Those in the creative arts, such as musicians, songwriters,
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Timothy Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Thanksgiving is always a special day for Alan and his extended family.
NULL -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Prior to accepting the cabinet position as Secretary of
NULL -- John 6:25-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
It is something of a stereotype that Asian cuisine can make us
NULL -- John 6:25-35 -- Tim Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Robin remembers one Thanksgiving years ago when she and her children
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson, the
There's an old story of... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
There's an old story of John Witherspoon, who in colonial times was President of the
Some people from the church... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Some people from the church were calling on parishioners in their homes to ask them to
Terry was offered a new... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Terry was offered a new job in California. Accepting the job would mean moving over

StoryShare

Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

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Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
Thanksgiving Day -- Psalm 100 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving is a response to what God has done.
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:1-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Acts 14:8-18 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Is Nine-Tenths Of Possession -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
In law I believe there is a basic legal principle that goes something to the effect that "possession
A New Resolve -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Scott Suskovic -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
"Stand firm in the Lord" (Philippians 4:1).
Not Just Being Polite -- John 6:25-35 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come he
A Breadbasket Full Of Goodies -- John 6:25-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of
Think On These Things -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In the letter to the people at Philippi, Paul wanted us to think on things that are beautiful, pure,
Thanks For Receiving Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This wonderful chapter of Deuteronomy speaks to us on this Thanksgiving Day of the forms for the pre
Thanks Be To God -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a woodcutter who spent the majority of every day in the woods.
Let's Talk Turkey -- John 6:25-35 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Let's talk turkey!
"What If?" Or "Why Not?" -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Worry changes nothing but the worrier and most always in a negative way!
God's Gifts Are Free: Enjoy! -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark Ellingson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associat
For What God Has Given -- John 6:25-35 -- John E. Berger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any ot
Pure Prayer -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert R. Kopp -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.
To Thank Is To ... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Paul W. F. Harms -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1985
This ritual of Thanksgiving is a ritual of identification.

Stories

StoryShare

Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.
Practice Makes Perfect -- Luke 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Contents"Practice Makes Perfect" by Sandra Herrmann
The Days Will Come -- Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
Contents “The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
A Pilgrim's Thanksgiving -- John 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- John Fitzgerald -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Contents "A Pilgrim's Thanksgiving" by John Fitzgerald
Celebrating The Bounty Of God -- John 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Contents"Celebrating the Bounty of God" by Sandra Herrmann
A Thanksgiving Miracle -- John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 100 -- John E. Sumwalt, Fanny Lee Seville, Timothy F. Merrill -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week "A Thanksgiving Miracle" by John Sumwalt

Free Access

Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

SermonStudio

Remember! -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
Oft in the stilly night, Ere slumber's chain has bound me,
Rocky -- Psalm 100 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Know that the Lord is God.
Fat-finger Dialing -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving DayPhilippians 4:4-9Fat-finger Dialing
Have No Anxiety -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Many years ago, when my little son, David, was 28 months old and my baby, Charles, was three months
Giving And Taking Thanks -- John 6:25-35 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
I am an adventure-er on a voyage of discovery,
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Theme: Giving And Receiving
Thanksgiving Day -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-9Theme: Good Things -- Good God
Thanksgiving Day -- John 6:25-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 6:25-35Theme: Real Bread -- Real Good
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship
Cornucopia -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us give thanks to God.
Thanksgiving Eve/Day -- Thessalonians 5:12-22, Psalm 95 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/RedEpistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Give praise and thanksgiving for God's blessings -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Thanksgiving -- Psalm 100 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1991
Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;
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!
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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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