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2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Lent Calls -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Today marks the beginning of Lent. In some churches, that is a nearly meaningless designation.
Inward And Outward Faith -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Coffin -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
It is the week before “Fat Tuesday,” and a given group of people are gathered in a restaurant, livin
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street.
Moksha -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015

Evagrius Ponticus (also known as Evagrius the Solitary) was a Christian monk and ascetic who resi

A holy Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Imagine life in a northern farming community a couple of centuries ago. It's early March.
The practicality of penitence -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent, a season of penitence.
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
'My bad' -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
I like to listen to how teenagers talk, though I admit that sometimes I really don't understand what
What's in your attic? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
A now-famous credit card company advertisement asks, "What's in your wallet?" The
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street. They

Drama

SermonStudio

Dust Thou Art ... Art Thou Dust? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
In preparing to write this, the third Ash Wednesday homily/drama, I was running out of ideas -- unti
Blow The Trumpet! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2018) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2017) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2016) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2015) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2014) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
When I was in Nepal... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
When I was in Nepal as a missionary it was illegal to be a Christian until 1992; I met the first Chr
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2013) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
There are 193 ambassadors from other countries to the United States.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
When we think of Jesus as having no sin and yet being tempted in every way that we are, I think of P
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The poem "Poor Angus" by children's poet Shel Silverstein is written as if it were a conversation be
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2011) -- Isaiah 58:1-12, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Isaiah 58:1-12
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family.
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly?
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a boy living in the country, Sonny thought his grandfather was some kind of w
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 br... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
One of the most memorable... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
One of the most memorable examples of reconciliation in modern times occurred in a little Pennsylvan
Paul considered himself Christ's ambassador... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Paul considered himself Christ's ambassador. What is an ambassador?
One of the methods that... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
One of the methods that bookkeepers use to ensure that their books are correct is bank reconcilia
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
"The Rubaiyat" of Omar Khayyam states,
I paid my college tuition... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I paid my college tuition and supported my family by pumping gasoline for a major oil
In the middle of the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
In the middle of the twentieth century, mainland China became officially Communist,
I had been visiting Martha... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
I had been visiting Martha for a few months as she was making her final journey in life.
A hailstorm when crops are... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
A hailstorm when crops are growing can be very devastating in Iowa or anyplace where

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2018) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Sorrow for sin in the midst of meaninglessness.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
The Lenten Season

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The ashes on the forehead are a symbol of hope, not despair.
Forty Days -- A Long Time But Not Too Long -- Isaiah 58:1-12, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- 2009
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bone
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Ash Wednesday is a time for having a good cry.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Revised Common
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Jesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)

Sermon

SermonStudio

Show Me Your Credentials -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
When you apply for a job, offer service to a customer, or try to get a license ...
The Season Of Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday is the day when we enter into an annual pilgrimage that takes us from the grave that n
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Selling Sin In A Celebrative Age -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Dialing the number of a large, well-known metropolitan church, the caller asked, "What time is your
The Ash Connection -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is always something we cannot stand about ourselves, something that is unacceptable, something
"Lord, I'm Coming Home" -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Like a bridge under which much water has flowed with the passage of time, the words span generations
Love Is Your Disguise -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
The pastor of a village church has been given a high honor to judge the costume contest.
The Righteousness Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
"Hardships -- beatings -- imprisonment --sleepless nights -- hunger -- in dishonor -- in ill repute

Stories

StoryShare

An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Contents
"An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes" by Frank Ramirez
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents
"Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Lincoln And Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Contents
"Lincoln and Lent" by John Fitzgerald

Showing Off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Contents
"Showing off" by C. David McKirachan


* * * * * * *
Repentance And Renewal -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Contents
"Repentance and Renewal" by John Fitzgerald
Sound The Alarm -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
Contents
"Sound the Alarm" by Sandra Herrmann
We Get Ashes? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Lamar Massingill -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2012
Contents
"We Get Ashes?" by C. David McKirachan
Silver Creek -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Contents
"Silver Creek" by Keith Hewitt
Sign Of The Cross -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sign of the Cross" by C. David McKirachan
The Terrible Dark Day -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales, Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2008
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
A single song is being reflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
(Note: We use Taizé songs for our worship, but other songs can be substituted for other co
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Hymns And Songs
Savior, When In Dust To You -- LBW 91
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10

Theme: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Based on Joel 2.
Leader:
Blow the trumpet,
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To Repentance

Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With God

Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Theme: Return To Me

Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship

Free Access

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Based on Joel 2.
Leader:
Blow the trumpet,
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Call To 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