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2 Kings 2:1-12

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Ecstasy and Real Life -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
Shortly before he died in a training accident with the Royal Canadian Air Force in December of 1941,
Christ and His Love Be Glorified -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
Transfiguration transition -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
While the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) seem at first glance to have little obvious lit
Response to mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- David Coffin -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Well, the “cat is out of the bag”!
Radioactive glow -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
It was a night to remember! Five school buddies at a friend's home overnight.
Where's the glory? -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2000
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Luthe
Are you listening? -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1997
It is not surprising that this text should be read on Transfiguration Sunday.
Who really sees him? -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
The writer's task for this section of Charting The Course is to tie the week's readings together by

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Conspiring With Jesus -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
For February 11, 2024:
Dwelling in the Mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
For February 14, 2021:
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
2 Kings 2:1-12Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2024) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2021) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2018) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2015) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2011) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
2 Kings 2:1-12
Author Herbert Tarr tells the story of a boy... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Author Herbert Tarr tells the story of a boy by the name of David whose parents died when he was ver
It's an old cliche... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Craig Kelly -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
It's an old cliche that the only certainties in life are death and taxes.
2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step... -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2009
2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step on the crack, or you’ll break your mother’s back!” No wonder children are
Don't step on the crack... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
"Don't step on the crack, or you'll break your mother's back!" No wonder children are afraid to step
In order to be a... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
In order to be a leader a man must have followers.
Peter Drucker offers insightful guidance... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
Peter Drucker offers insightful guidance to the church when he calls leadership a peak performance b
Living away from home for... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
Living away from home for the first time is an experience that everyone looks forward to.
The story of Elisha's determination... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
The story of Elisha's determination to stay with Elijah until he was taken reminds one of the determ
In the last book of... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
In the last book of The Chronicles Of Narnia series The Last Battle, there is a scene where a group
Cool Hand Luke is a... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
Cool Hand Luke is a Paul Newman movie that really is a paradigm of the life of Jesus.
Time and again Elisha had... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
Time and again Elisha had to tell Elijah and the company of prophets that yes, he knew Elijah would
The story of the assumption... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
The story of the assumption of Elijah is told in a style of the loftiest poetry, with an imagination

The Immediate Word

Conspiring With Jesus -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
For February 11, 2024:
Dwelling in the Mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
For February 14, 2021:
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.

StoryShare

Visiting Asaph -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Contents "Visiting Asaph" by David O. Bales
On The Mountaintop -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Contents "On The Mountaintop" by Keith Hewitt* * * * * * *
The Valley -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Valley" by Keith Hewitt

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Conspiring With Jesus -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
For February 11, 2024:
Dwelling in the Mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
For February 14, 2021:
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,

SermonStudio

Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayChrist be glorified! Collect of the Day
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 2:1-12 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2001
I wonder if you remember one of the characters in the popular television series, M*A*S*H.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Seeing the vision of God's glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Seeing the vision of God's glory.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1993
This account of Elijah's being taken to heaven on a chariot of
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Prior to the adoption of the new lectionary and somewhat revised church year, the Lutheran Church fo
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Prior to the adoption of the new lectionary and somewhat revised church year, the Lutheran Church fo
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.

Free Access

Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 2:1-12 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Conspiring With Jesus -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
For February 11, 2024:
Dwelling in the Mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
For February 14, 2021:
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,

SermonStudio

Commissioned For Christ -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
On a warm and sunny early June day in 1943, John Francis Laboon, "Jake" to his friends, stood with h
A Double Share Of The Spirit -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
A Double Share Of The Spirit
Going, Going, Gone -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Curtis Lewis -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Recently, a friend of mine went to Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch an afternoon baseball game.
No Shortcut To Glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- William L. Self -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
At the beginning of every new fall term, Dr.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
Coming Down The Mountain -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1993
There is a story that a university in Scotland once wished to honor a scholar who had done some s

Stories

StoryShare

Only Two -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
Contents“Only Two” by Frank Ramirez
Visiting Asaph -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Contents "Visiting Asaph" by David O. Bales
On The Mountaintop -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Contents "On The Mountaintop" by Keith Hewitt* * * * * * *
The Valley -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Valley" by Keith Hewitt
Listening -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Listening" by Argile Smith
Pass It On -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- David O. Bales, Susan K. Hedahl, Richard A. Jensen, Charles Cammarata -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Based on Revised Common Lectionary texts:

SermonStudio

Transitions -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This is one of those passages that has its roots deep in the mythology of ancient Israel.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Conspiring With Jesus -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
For February 11, 2024:
Dwelling in the Mystery -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
For February 14, 2021:
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,

SermonStudio

Theme: As The Lord Lives, I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 50:1-6) One:
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: The Lord's Spirit Stays With Us
I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Join me in this conversation about change: You must stay here.
The Lord Takes Elijah Up To Heaven -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
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10 – Worship Resources
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Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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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!

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