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1 Samuel 15:34--16:13

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Out With the Old, In With the New -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
Out with the old, and in with the new. That’s easily said, but not so easily done.
More Than Meets the Eye -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
The old aphorism claims that “seeing is believing.”  Doubting Thomas might agree.
The Greatest and Truest Father -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
All the lessons for this Sunday early in the Pentecost Season proclaim the good news that God finds
Recognizing the kingdom of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2015
God does not judge by appearances, but by the heart.
What kind of kingdom? -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
When I was in high school a new music teacher came to town.
Where credit is due -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1997
Between last Sunday's first lesson and today's text we have the story of the turbulent years of Saul
Appearance isn't everything -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1994
At one time, Barbara Streisand briefly considered having plastic surgery performed on her face.
Do you see what I see? -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Sellers will sometimes advertise with the initials "WYSIWYG" -- What you see is what

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Transformed by Grace -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
For June 16, 2024:
The Image of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
For June 13, 2021:
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2021) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
1 Samuel 15:3--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2018) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Psalm 20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2015) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2015
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2012) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Life is difficult in America given our present economic realities... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
Life is difficult in America given our present economic realities, not unlike the hopelessness felt
A psychologist asked 3,000 people... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Ron Love -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
A psychologist asked 3,000 people, "What have you to live for?" He was surprised to find that 94% we
Professor Stephen Solomon White was... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1994
Professor Stephen Solomon White was my major professor at Olivet Nazarene College, Kankakee, Illinoi
My two teenage sons were... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1994
My two teenage sons were discussing possible dates for the high school prom.
It's a basic learning step... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1994
It's a basic learning step, to discern larger from smaller, more from less.
It's a basic learning step... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
It's a basic learning step, to discern larger from smaller, more from less.
My two teenage sons were... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
My two teenage sons were discussing possible dates for the high school prom.
Professor Stephen Solomon White was... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Professor Stephen Solomon White was my major professor at Olivet Nazarene College, Kankakee, Illinoi
The late Dr. Charles Gilkey... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The late Dr. Charles Gilkey was dean of the chapel at the University of Chicago some 40 years ago.
In my [high school] class... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
"In my [high school] class, as in any class, at any school, there were students who had a
In a time when people... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
In a time when people are often judged by their looks rather than inner character and
Janice had been away from... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Janice had been away from her hometown for a dozen years. During that time, she
Years ago, a committee of... -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Years ago, a committee of synod, responsible for examining graduating seminarians, met

The Immediate Word

Transformed by Grace -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
For June 16, 2024:
The Image of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
For June 13, 2021:
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Transformed by Grace -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
For June 16, 2024:
The Image of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
For June 13, 2021:
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayA way out of no way. Collect of the Day
Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17
Proper 6 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 15:34„16:13 (C)
Life through death -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Life through death.
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
The Lord rejected Saul as king because he disobeyed the divine
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Mark 4:26-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
The Sunday celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - with the promise of his ultim
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Mark 4:26-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
The Sunday celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - with the promise of his ultim
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Transformed by Grace -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
For June 16, 2024:
The Image of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
For June 13, 2021:
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za

SermonStudio

Samuel Was The Search Committee -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
I don't know about you but when I was growing up I always loved hearing the story of Cinderella.
Misled By Beauty -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It seems to me that the so-called "reality" television shows that have proliferated on the airwaves
Out Of Control! -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Recently some 900 teenagers and adult advisors from all over New England gathered at Hammonasset Sta
Curbs On Cornfields -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
In the early part of this century, Henry Ford and his brother-in-law Howell Graves visited Muscle Sh
When Saints Go Marching Forth -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Sometimes when reading you come across words that just leap off the page and grab you.
As Mortals See -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Charles Curley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
I made a big mistake when I began to read and study in preparation for this sermon on 1 Samuel 15:34

The Village Shepherd

The Lord Looks On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2006
Many years ago when I was at Primary School, an Australian girl joined our class.

Stories

StoryShare

A Person’s A Person -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
Contents “A Person’s A Person” by Frank Ramirez
Of Prophets And Heifers -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Contents “Of Prophets And Heifers” by David O. Bales
The Chosen One -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Psalm 20 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2015
Contents "The Chosen One" by Keith Hewitt
Crossroads -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Psalm 20 -- Keith Hewitt, Lamar Massingill -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
Contents"Crossroads" by Keith Hewitt
Do You Believe The Sky Is Blue? -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Psalm 20 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Living The Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20 -- Frank R. Fisher, Gregory L. Tolle, John E. Sumwalt, Paul Lintern -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Day God Voted -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Are you ready to vote? These days it seems as if that were a perpetual question.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Transformed by Grace -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
For June 16, 2024:
The Image of God -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
For June 13, 2021:
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za

SermonStudio

Do Overs / Blind Man's Bluff / So What's That Like? -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 Theme: Do Overs
Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipMakes use of the 2 Corinthians passage. Leader:
Not The Outward Appearance, But The Heart Is What Matters -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
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!
24 – Sermons
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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

Special Occasion

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