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1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Breath of Life -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
An ancient Jewish legend declares, “Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given.” One wonders whet
The Spirit, Out of the Box -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21 is the obvious choice for your Pentecost lectionary text and perhaps you have used it on
The Coming Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
As far as the earliest church was concerned, the ability to speak in tongues was the definitive even
Harvest time -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
An ancient Jewish legend declares, "Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given." One wonders whet
What's the good word? -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
I expect that our culture has become a rather cynical audience for speech.
The counterproductive sermon -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Accordingly, our first reading is the familiar story of
The harmony of the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
Do you know the name L. L. Zamenhof? It's not a name you hear every day.
About the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1999
Perhaps it is inevitable that as Christians we focus on the second article of the Apostles' Creed so
Windsurfing -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A
We've all seen them -- women and men, girls and boys, wrestling with huge sails attached to a small

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
For May 28, 2023:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

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Activation -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as t
Sharing who we are -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one
One body, many members -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning! Today I need your help. Trace one of your hands on this paper.
Baptized into the body -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning! Today is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the
The teaching Spirit -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning! There are some parts of the world with names

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
... no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2023) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2020) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2017) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Acts 2:1-21
So you understand... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Ron Love -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
"So you understand the roaring wave of fear that swept through the greatest city in the world just a
The great Reformer... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The great Reformer John Calvin claimed that this text testifies to "how great is the blindness of th
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Acts 2:1-21
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Ron Love -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
William Prusoff applied to Yale.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Scientists use a tool called a key, sometimes a "dichotomous key," to categorize and identify differ
Bruce Springsteen sings of an... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Bruce Springsteen sings of an old friend who is stuck back in the "glory days" of his high
Violet Little was troubled, there... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Violet Little was troubled, there in the city of Philadelphia, when she saw a homeless
Whenever Deloris hosted a party... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Whenever Deloris hosted a party at her home, her guests were always eager to attend.
Regina, who raised seven daughters... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Regina, who raised seven daughters and two sons, never allowed her girls to tamper with
Acts 2:1-21 These... -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Acts 2:1-21
One of the best ways... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
One of the best ways to illustrate how the gifts of the Spirit make up one body is to refer to a jig
Eric had always been a... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
Eric had always been a bit different. For some reason he seemed out of step with most folks.
A photographer was sent to... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
A photographer was sent to cover the fires at Yellowstone National Park.
When outsiders look at United... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
When outsiders look at United States military academies, they see practices that seem peculiar.
The Spirit of the Lord... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1999
The Spirit of the Lord that came down at Pentecost is the same Spirit, Paul tells us, that gives us
Doris looked around the room... -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1999
Doris looked around the room.

The Immediate Word

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
For May 28, 2023:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
For May 28, 2023:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C)
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C); Acts 2:1-11 (RC, E)
The gift of the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C); Acts 2:1--11 (RC, E)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
For May 28, 2023:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

A Force To Contend With -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2009
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Pentecost ... Again! -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
They had been waiting so long for this.
The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
Lone Rangers And Cookie Cutters -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
To be asked to speak or pray in public sent shivers of terror down his spine.

Free Access

A Force To Contend With -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2009
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

The Village Shepherd

The Holy Spirit - Gifts Or Emotionalism? -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
This year, we've been running Alpha courses for the first time in our group of parishes.

Stories

StoryShare

Building A Better Beehive -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Contents "Building a Better Beehive" by Frank Ramirez
A Planet-Sized Wind -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Contents"A Planet-Sized Wind" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
Rauch -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Contents"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan "Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales
Would That All Were Prophets -- Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Happy Birthday -- John 7:37-39, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Happy Birthday"

SermonStudio

Wrapped In Pentecost -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Kate Jones
Niceties Don't Sell -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
During the time of the Christian church in Corinth, a trance--like state testified to the fact that

Worship

The Immediate Word

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
For May 28, 2023:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
A Chorale Service using hymns from around the world
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: The day of Pentecost is upon us.
Undoing Babel -- Acts 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:21, Louis Segond 1910,
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
The Day Of Pentecost -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Gift Of The SpiritCall To Worship
PENTECOST -- Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
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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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