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2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Saves Us By His Grace! -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 5:9-12
Priestly People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
In my junior high confirmation classes, I remind the students that there will be a day when they wil
Occasions for Rejoicing -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Since the Fourth Sunday in Lent has been historically identified as Laetare (Rejoicing Sund
Looking inward; acting outward -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Lenten season is a time for introspection.
The way to withness -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Religion is about a relationship.
The gospel frame by frame -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Let the movie play at full speed through the first half.
Hard to swallow -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
We are ambassadors for Christ. Well, how does it feel to have yourself sworn in and
Always wanting more -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
With Augustine we can affirm that pride is the fundamental sin and concupiscence is its fundamental
A change of perception -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Luke's wonderful parable of the prodigal son dominates the lectionary for today.
The prodigality of God -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The word prodigality carries a dual meaning in English.
The crops of Canaan -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
One night, prowling the corners of a Christian bookstore, I stumbled past the Max Lucado, Dan Jenkin

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

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Point of view -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Ch
A clean slate -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their
Clean and fresh -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Good morning, boys and girls. I thought I would bring some laundry today.
Ambassadors for Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Good morning! I have here an article from the paper which
Ashes, ashes -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
These ashes are all that is left of the palms we used in the

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us ...

Drama

SermonStudio

Percival Prodigal Ponders A Pithy Point -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
For several years, my wife and I have been involved in a prison ministry at our local county house o

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 9:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2022) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2019) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2016) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.
Joshua 5:9-12 Luther... -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Joshua 5:9-12
Science teachers interest and entertain... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Science teachers interest and entertain even bored students when they turn on the black
Do you know that Jesus... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Do you know that Jesus really loves you? Have you experienced that feeling of total love
Some time ago, a husband... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Some time ago, a husband and wife faced serious marriage problems. Neither would take
The divided church at Corinth... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
The divided church at Corinth needed to be reminded that they were not to regard any
The church telephone rang on... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
The church telephone rang on the Tuesday after Labor Day.
It is not unusual for... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
It is not unusual for the federal government to provide new identities for people who turn state's e
Tim loved to rummage through... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
Tim loved to rummage through the wastebaskets, against his mother's wishes.
For a decade Hector Marciel... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
For a decade Hector Marciel (pronounced Mach ale) has worked for a private university as a do
Thomas Long, professor of homiletics... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Thomas Long, professor of homiletics at Princeton, tells of a church that opened its building to the
One of the biggest hit... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
One of the biggest hit programs PBS has ever produced in the last few years is Creation.
Science fiction writer Robert Heinlein... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Science fiction writer Robert Heinlein has a book called Double Star.
Nothing is more satisfying than... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a person come to faith in Jesus Christ for the first time.
Hold the pickles, hold the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
"Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us." If we really wanted to become b

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

Prayer

SermonStudio

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPGlorify God with me, and let us exalt the hallowed name together.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Discipleship is the journey from "give me" to "make me."
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

A New Creation In Hope -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2021
In Christ, we are a new creation.
A New Point Of View -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In 2000, Mel Gibson appeared in the comedy, What Women Want.
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
Be Reconciled -- To Christ And Others -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The train clanked and rattled down the tracks one lazy summer afternoon as I traveled from Kyoto to
Salvation's From And For -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Despite the zest to adapt when things go amiss with the human body or the mind, a self-alienation an
Words We Know, But God Doesn't -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Native Texans know the place as "the hill country." Not like the high rolling plains of the Edward's
STEP EIGHT - LOVE -- Psalm 19:7-13, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John A. Terry -- 1992
Step eight: Made a list of all persons we harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
The Message Of The Morning Light -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Erskine White -- 1991
Just as a handful of women and disciples came early in the day to the garden tomb, so do Christians

The Village Shepherd

I Am A New Creation? -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
I've always loved stories.

Stories

StoryShare

X Games -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally posted in 2007.Contents
A Crafty Dad -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Contents A Story to Live By: "A Crafty Dad"

SermonStudio

Ambassadors For Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everythi
Cleaning Up After The Bomb -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On March 27, 2002, at a little after 7 p.m., a young Palestinian male sauntered into the lobby of th
A New Creation -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Debi Lyerly Lawson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I cannot remember a time when God wasn't the source of all that I am.
Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Walter Elias was born in the city; now his parents had just moved to the country.

Worship

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
New Year/New Beginnings -- Isaiah 43:15-21, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere are times for new beginnings,And for renewing ministries.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Israelites Celebrated Passover Before Entering The Promised Land
Practice Random Acts of Kindness -- Ephesians 4:25-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
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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