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1 Samuel 1:4-20

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God's Entrance -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- David Coffin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Another cold, autumn Wednesday evening as the sun sets early and the church council gathers into the
The end... and the beginning -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
Advent is a season of anticipation, but as we near the end of the season of Pentecost our readings a
Challenged -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Rabbi Harold Kushner remembered a scene from a television program that he saw years ago.
Propping up or opening up -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
It is never a good place to be when you feel that you are loosing it. When clearly marked
To boldly go ... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003
For those of us of a certain age, we can only hear the admonition "to boldly go" as intoned by Capta
Hope fulfilled -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1997
We are two weeks from Advent and the theme for today seems to be "hope." The First Lesson is a poign
Keeping the faith in tough times -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1994
Each lesson for this Sunday reflects a background of change, uncertainty, threat, and social volatil

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015

When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 1:4-20

Drama

SermonStudio

What I Did For Love -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2018) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2015) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Does prayer work? Hannah prayed and trusted God; she received a son.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
"God's not answering my prayer. Why don't my children call me or visit?
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Juan Manuel Santos is Colombia's turnaround man.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
We all have favorites. Jesus' favorite disciple was John.
A friend said, At my... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
A friend said, "At my age, I have to tell the truth. I couldn't remember a lie." Our memory
In 1986, Woody Allen wrote... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
In 1986, Woody Allen wrote and directed a drama/comedy/morality play called
Nothing captures the wonder of... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Nothing captures the wonder of birth anymore than a scene from an old Bill Cosby show.
We live in a world... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
We live in a world that exploits children -- from child labor to pornography to
There is power in... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003

There is power in prayer. Hannah experienced it. So did Julee.
We live in a... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003

We live in a world that exploits children -- from child labor to pornography to entertainment
Paul Sponheim, a contemporary... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003

Paul Sponheim, a contemporary theologian, in his chapter "The God of Prayer" in the book A
Hannah dedicates her son... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003

Hannah dedicates her son to the Lord and will raise him accordingly.
Bob stood over his... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2003

Bob stood over his wife's exhausted body, proud as punch at seeing his newborn son rest upon h
In January of 1993 the... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1994
In January of 1993 the Supreme Court handed down a rather disturbing ruling.
Hannah prayed to God for... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1994
Hannah prayed to God for a child and when God finally blessed her with a child she dedicated that ch
It was in Hannah's faith... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1994
It was in Hannah's faith that God willed to change her circumstances -- God was the one who could co

The Immediate Word

Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015

When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015

When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.
Proper 28 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (C)
Knowing the signs of the Lord's return -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing the signs of the Lord's return.

Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1993
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 Elkanah had two wives.
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Eschatology - the "last things" - is the order of the day on this next to the last Sunday of Penteco
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Eschatology - the "last things" - is the order of the day on this next to the last Sunday of Penteco
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015

When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge

SermonStudio

Do Not Forget Your Servant -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
How to have law and order without tyranny? That is the question.
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues



Humble Beginnings -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
Small town folk will often ask a person on first meeting, "Who was your mother?" What they mean is:
God Remembers -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
On these opening pages of 1 Samuel we are introduced to a family drama.
When The Odds Are Against Us -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
I recently had the privilege of introducing Maya Angelou who addressed a luncheon honoring Cecil Wil
Hope For The Barren -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- John P. Rossing -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1993
I heard recently about a couple who had tried for years to have a baby - gone to doctors, used all k

Stories

StoryShare

Mom -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Contents
“Mom” by C. David McKirachan
Canary In A Coal Mine -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
Contents
"Canary in a Coal Mine" by Frank Ramirez

It Could Have Been... -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Keith Hewitt, Lamar Massingill -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Contents
"It Could Have Been..." by Keith Hewitt
A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- John S. Smylie, John E. Sumwalt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2009
Contents
What's Up This Week
"A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving" by John Smylie
Atonement -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, Psalm 113 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Contents

A Story to Live By: "Atonement"
Waiting For God -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Terry Cain, James E. Sargent -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Contents
What's Up This Week
Good Stories: "Waiting For God" by Terry Cain

SermonStudio

God Was On Her Side -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Brianna was nervous. This was a big step for her. One of the biggest steps she would ever take.
An Answer To Prayer -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one

Worship

The Immediate Word

Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015

When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge

SermonStudio

Theme: Silent Lips, Praying Lips -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)

Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Leader:
My heart rejoices in the Lord;
Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 1:4-20
Theme: Hannah's Prayer
A Sad Heart -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Leader: Let all who have been blessed by the Lord gather now for worship!

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Bethany Peerbolte
Christopher Keating
Ron Love
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For December 23, 2018:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
“...and Mary gave birth to her first born son...and laid him in a manger..”

(V. 7a)

Merry Christmas children,

I love Christmas don't you? There's the tree, the lights, the carols, the nativity scene, families getting together --- and the presents! Were there any presents at your house?

(children respond)
Arley K. Fadness
“...blessed are you among women...” (V. 42b)

Good morning boys and girls,

I am loving seeing you today. How are you dear children? Getting excited for Christmas? Are you planning special things with your family?

(children respond) (presenter may share personal plans and/or experiences)

Today, this Sunday, is called the 4th Sunday of Advent. We call it that in the church calendar. But I have a better name. Know what it is? Mother's Day!!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Seeing the Future” by Peter Andrew Smith
“A Distant Land” by Frank Ramirez


Seeing the Future
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20

John sat at the edge of his bed in the half way house staring out the window.

“Are you okay, John?” Carl asked from the doorway.

Keith Hewitt
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
“First Encounter” by Keith Hewitt
“That’s Weird” by C. David McKirachan


First Encounter
by Keith Hewitt
Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Bob Ove
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Ron Love
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 62:6-11
This seems to be a change he looks forward to in Old Testament times. Isaiah is looking forward to the Lord’s coming. He is telling the people in that day to look forward to Jerusalem being restored, Jesus is the only one who can restore it.

Several future books in the Old Testament have restored watchmen to wait on the Lord’s coming. It sounds like we must spend all our time waiting for the day the Lord has promised. It sounds like we must give him no rest until we get it.

Mark Ellingsen
All the lessons testify to the theme of why Christmas matters! The festival encourages sermons on what Christ accomplishes in our lives and a joyful celebration of thanks for the best Christmas present of all -- the babe in the manger.

Isaiah 62:6-12
Mark Ellingsen
Bob Ove
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Ron Love
Micah 5:2-5a
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah…(Micah 5:2).

Most towns have a slogan. We remember the clever ones.

I spent part of my childhood in the city of Azusa, California. The town was named after the Susa family, ranchers who owned much of the land during the days of Spanish colonization. But the town fathers decided they needed something a little more catchy, so they advertised that Azusa has everything from A to Z in the USA.
Frank Ramirez
“Current Events” can be very significant at the time they happen, but they can change and/or grow in significance as time goes by. Micah addresses a current political situation in his day that is pretty significant. Judah is under siege from Assyria. But the words of hope that he shares grow in significance over the centuries until hundreds of years later biblical experts are able to tell the Magi that Micah is telling us -- and is still telling us -- that the greatest king of kings will be coming from one of the smallest of the clans of Israel.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Come, let us go even now to Bethlehem with the shepherds and the angels and see Mary and Joseph, with the baby lying in a manger.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we come to worship the baby in the manger.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, we come to offer ourselves and our own gifts.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, we come to absorb your love.
Lord, have mercy.

Janice B. Scott
While I consider myself to be very much in tune with the modern era, well into technology and all that it can offer, there are times when I look back with nostalgia to the past.

SermonStudio

Cynthia E. Cowen
The Christmas concert was about to begin. The professional musicians were ready. All eyes were on the band director as he brought down his baton. Softly, flutes began weaving a magical introduction, capturing the audience's spirit. An instrumental duet formed with clarinets adding their voices. Then more wind instruments came in. Finally, brass and percussion entered and volume and tempo increased. Each section's contribution melded into a harmonious voice. The rehearsals had been worth it; the time and labor had not been in vain.
Paul E. Flesner
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once observed that the Christmas event can only be spoken about in poetry. He went on to comment that over the centuries preachers have analyzed it in their sermons and have turned Christmas into dogma. "Dogma," he said, "is rationally petrified poetry." I think I understand what he means. He means that Christmas speaks to the heart.

Special Occasion