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Acts 5:27-32

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Story Continues -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Sometimes movies end with the “happily ever after moment.” Finally — Hooray!
Life Goes On -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
It is springtime when the flowers start to bloom.
The Magnificence Of God’s Activating, Future-oriented, Forgiving Love -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
This Sunday’s lessons proclaim that God and his resurrection have their way with us.
Transformed lives -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
For me, the deepest proof of Jesus’ resurrection comes from the transformed lives of his followers.
Witnesses -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There is a marvelous little story tucked away in the pages of Edward Gibbon's seven-volume work T
A week after -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The gospels devote a great deal of attention to the week before Easter.
The end or the beginning? -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
What does it feel like for you and your congregation this Sunday after Easter? I suspect
Witness: suffering and rejoicing with hope -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
Is the church living post-Christendom or post-Easter?
The ultimacy of life -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
The theme for today may be summed up in the phrase, "The Difference that Easter Makes." All three le
The signs of credibility -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-23, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Last Sunday Mary Magdalene stood before us in her bereavement and met the Risen Jesus.
Witnessing -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
One thing is common in all our lessons for this Sunday, witnessing.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Doubt Is A Virtue -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For April 27, 2025:
Model for Discipleship -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For April 24, 2022:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
We must obey God rather than any human authority.-- Acts 5:29

Drama

SermonStudio

But I Wasn't There ... Ya Gotta Show Me! -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 150 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
You Are There was a real television show in the '50s: back in the days when even commercial t

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Easter 2 (2025) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 2 (2022) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2019) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2016) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Acts 5:27-32
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders to Peter's witness is in direct contradict
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory against the British, George Washington crossed the
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2013) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 5:27-32
Acts 5:27-32 A... -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 5:27-32
An English officer by the... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
An English officer by the name of Payne Best, captured by the Nazis during World War
Martin Luther King Jr. was... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Martin Luther King Jr. was an example of a man who believed one must obey God rather
For over a year, Kate... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
For over a year, Kate heard stories of devastation following Hurricane Katrina. People
Few Christians seem to realize... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Few Christians seem to realize they have a constant companion. He arrives at our baptism
In the middle of a... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
In the middle of a reunion weekend at Princeton University, when 10,000 people descend upon the univ
About once a year we... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
About once a year we are reminded by the commercial world of the gift that keeps on giving.
The title of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
The title of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's greatest book proved to be prophetic.
A pastor conducted a funeral... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
A pastor conducted a funeral for a man who had been very active in the life of the church.
When you are interiorly free... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
"When you are interiorly free, you call others to freedom, whether you know it or not.
Bees are very communicative in... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Bees are very communicative in sharing the location of a food source with their hive mates.
I remember walking into an... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
I remember walking into an Armenian history class in college and the professor was standing on the d
I remember walking into an... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
I remember walking into an American history class in college and the professor was standing on the d
At a weekly Bible study... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
At a weekly Bible study for pastors, one of the group shared his intention of being arrested the fol

The Immediate Word

Doubt Is A Virtue -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For April 27, 2025:
Model for Discipleship -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For April 24, 2022:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Doubt Is A Virtue -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For April 27, 2025:
Model for Discipleship -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For April 24, 2022:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 5:27-32 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Doubt Is A Virtue -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For April 27, 2025:
Model for Discipleship -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For April 24, 2022:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,

SermonStudio

A Tale Of Two Peters -- Acts 5:27-32 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
When the curtain opens on Scene Two, we see a familiar scene.
Who? -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
My guess is that unless you're a fan of Elizabethan theater you've never heard of Robert Greene (156
The Life You've Always Wanted -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
The other day I came across some interesting epitaphs.
Obeying God Rather Than Men -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
How many times have we borne witness to this scene?
Obedience Is An Ugly Word! -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
A man, bragging on his dog, said, "He's a fine dog. He's so smart, and obedient, too.

Stories

StoryShare

A Regrettable Necessity -- John 20:19-31, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2010.Contents
Witness to These Things -- John 20:19-31, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Wagner -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents "Witness to These Things" by Peter Andrew Smith
Ringing Without A Permit -- John 20:19-31, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Ringing Without a Permit" by John Sumwalt
Witnessing To The Truth -- John 20:19-31, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"Witnessing to the Truth" by Peter Andrew Smith
Can There Be Any Doubt? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Contents From the StoryShare Archives: "Can There Be Any Doubt?"
And Jesus Will Be Our Friend -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank R. Fisher, John S. Smylie, Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Doubt Is A Virtue -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For April 27, 2025:
Model for Discipleship -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For April 24, 2022:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32Theme: We Are Witnesses Of God's Love
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Witnesses To God's PowerCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
We are witnesses sent by God -- Acts 5:27-32 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us gather this day and raise our voices in praise before God!
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
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10 – Worship Resources
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL