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1 John 1:1--2:2

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Living in Faith -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Living by faith implies both belief and action.
The Resurrection Gets Us All Together -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Historically, this is the first Sunday during which newly baptized members on Easter would be admitt
So that you may come to believe -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
The challenge for those who preach from the lectionary every year is that we have the “Doubting Thom
On having a physical relationship... with God! -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
If a human being was a candy bar, what would the label say? What are our ingredients?
The earthiness of Resurrection touch -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The reaction that first Sunday after Easter was worth remembering.
See? Believe? -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
The incarnation is the heart of Christianity.
The power of the Gospel -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
This is one of those texts that we might wish were not in the Bible, or, at the very least, one that
Becoming an Easter people -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
In 1972, Avery and Marsh wrote a song titled, "Every Morning Is Easter Morning From Now On." The son
Getting it straight -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
One of the things that interests me as one who loves to teach classes on the Bible is to discover ho
Invitations -- Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
One of the interesting things about the Old and New Testaments is their use of the word "therefore."

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

CSSPlus

Open hands and open hearts -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't today a wonderful day?
Telling the truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I'm going to ask you a question and I want you
We deceive ourselves -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical illusion.) Which line is longer?
God is light -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Are any of you afraid of the dark?
Do you believe? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to do something special.

SermonStudio

Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:32-35

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2021) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2018) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution, such as Law and Order, or from the defe
One of the major heresies... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
One of the major heresies that threatened the early church was the heresy of Gnosticism which over-e
In 1862, Julia Ward Howe... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
In 1862, Julia Ward Howe wrote the words of the beloved "Battle Hymn Of The Republic." She wrote the
Theresa Logan is a comedian... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Theresa Logan is a comedian who travels and performs all across the United States.
Jason was spending his first... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Jason was spending his first night outside of the city.
The text talks about the... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The text talks about the relationship of the beloved as children of light.
For a photographer, the concept... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
For a photographer, the concept of light in which there is no darkness is unknown.
All have faults and fall... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
All have faults and fall short.
One time Edward Windsor, Prince... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
One time Edward Windsor, Prince of Wales, went to India.
Nobody liked Corey. He was... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Nobody liked Corey. He was a bully par excellence.
Soren Kierkegaard (nineteenth century Danish... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Søren Kierkegaard (nineteenth century Danish theologian) comments on the extreme personal nature of
Although many churches have suffered... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Although many churches have suffered over the years from scandals, one denomination always seems to
He tried to imagine what... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
He tried to imagine what it would be like to have never known the light of day.
Washington School's principal, Mr. Tavender... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
Washington School's principal, Mr.
In her book, The Long... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
In her book, The Long Winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder tells the story of how difficult life could be on
Maybe you've heard the joke... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
Maybe you've heard the joke about the person who thought the Bible was all about baseball.

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 4:32-35 1 John 1:1--2:2 John 20:19-31
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Acts 4:32-35 (C, RC)
The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Here is a picture of the apostolic church. In this passage we
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Nocturnal Christians? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Nancy Kraft -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
When I was in college, they used to show movies in a lecture hall that was tiered at a deep angle do
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
The Joy Of Shared Truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The chasm between the realities in which two different people live can be vast.
Pass It On -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
James Stewart tells the story of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years who me
Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma

Free Access

Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma

The Village Shepherd

The Eye-Witnesses -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Parents are generally very protective of their children, and this has to be a good thing.

Stories

StoryShare

Perks -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Perks” by C. David McKirachan
Believing Without Seeing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- John Fitzgerald -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "Believing without Seeing" by John Fitzgerald
The Bike And The Box Turtles -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Keith Hewitt, Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Contents"The Bike and the Box Turtles" by Keith Hewitt
Primary Source -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Primary Source" by C. David McKirachan
The Mighty Metaphor Machine -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week

Free Access

Perks / Of Pens and Principalities -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Perks” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA continuing celebration of resurrection. Leader:
Partners -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Partners in concern,People: Partners in planning,
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is merciful and the Lord is wonderful and great!
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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