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Galatians 2:15-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Saved by faith -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Our readings this week draw us into the tricky territory of works righteousness and the eternal temp
Trust for the journey -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David Coffin -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
So who do we trust while taking our journey of faith during the season of Pentecost?
By their fruits -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
Margaret Mead, the world-renowned anthropologist, was speaking at a university and one student asked
Preaching to the choir -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
We preachers are sometimes confused about our audience.
From much love comes much love -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
About this time of year, the seeds that were planted in the spring are sprouting up through the grou
Contrasting scenes -- Jezebel to Joanna -- 1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1995
One of the great stories of the Old Testament greets us in the first reading for this Sunday.
The land is the Lord's -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
A man was typing away at a computer with a stack of video cassettes by his side, when a friend walke
Providence -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
God's love is never described as an emotion in the Scriptures.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their

CSSPlus

Under the mask -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
"And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.
What's inside -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
... and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. (v. 20a)
The rules aren't enough -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
How many of you have rules that you have to follow?
Saved by faith -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Good morning! How many of you lived a perfect life last week
Being good -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Good morning! I have a box of cereal with me. I love cereal

SermonStudio

To Rebuild Or Not To Rebuild -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To explain that we should not keep doing things that we know are wrong.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
...

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11 | Pentecost 4 (2016) -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- R. Robert Cueni, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11 (2013) -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a
Matt Damon is a devoted... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
Matt Damon is a devoted husband and father. He dislikes being away from home and from his family.
Ask anyone what the meaning... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
Ask anyone what the meaning of life is, and it's a pretty safe bet that their answer will start with
John Wesley nicely explained... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
John Wesley nicely explained why we do not need the law because Christ lives in us: ...[Christ has b
NULL -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Timothy Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
Verna along with her mother was shopping at local specialty shops in a revitalized downtown area of
NULL -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
One of my all-time favorite movie scenes is in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
NULL -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
In the year 1510, Martin Luther made a pilgrimage to Rome.
NULL -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
Illustrations1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a
The theologian, Ernst Kasemann, tells... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
The theologian, Ernst Kasemann, tells this story at the beginning of his book, Jesus
Mr. Finkelmann, principal of the... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
Mr. Finkelmann, principal of the high school, decided to try something different. The
One Sunday, Allen asked if... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
One Sunday, Allen asked if he could share his story during the worship service. He told
I have been crucified with... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2007
"I have been crucified with Christ." Life contains many enigmas. One of the greatest is
The saying, One bad apple... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
The saying, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch," isn't always true. Nik is an avid gardener.
Do we live by the... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
Do we live by the law or by grace?
The 1991 movie Defending... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
The 1991 movie Defending Your Life features Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks in a whimsical sto
A theme common in the... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
A theme common in the Bible is that adhering to the Law will not save you; faith in Jesus is what wi
There is a difference between... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1998
There is a difference between righteousness based on avoiding sin and righteousness based on doing g
Every year during the month... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1998
Every year during the month of June an impressive ceremony is held in London.
About the middle of the... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1998
About the middle of the 1800s, Henry Ward Beecher became a prominent minister, political writer, and
The law does not justify... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1998
The law does not justify.
Francis Bernadone was expected to... -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1995
Francis Bernadone was expected to lead the life of a wealthy Italian cloth merchant, first assisting

The Immediate Word

Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises

Prayer

SermonStudio

PROPER 6 -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Psalm 42, Galatians 2:15-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their

SermonStudio

Proper 6/Pentecost 4/Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36-50 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their

SermonStudio

Living With Integrity -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
"Justification by faith" -- to a theologian these words express one of the most basic principles of
The Difference Between Knowing And Doing -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- John Jamison -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
It is difficult to be the church. What we have been asked to do here is not easy.
Curtain Call -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
It was 1974 in the racially-troubled southern city of Birmingham.
By Faith In Christ -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Billy D. Strayhorn -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
There's a story about two newspaper editors who had been involved in a bitter feud of words and idea

The Village Shepherd

Are You A Pourer Or A Disapprover? -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
I bought two pictures last week from a local exhibition.

Stories

StoryShare

Just A Small Town Girl... -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Contents "Just a Small Town Girl..." by Keith Hewitt
Becoming A Family -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
Contents"Becoming a Family" by Frank Ramirez
Somebody Else's Treasure -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Craig Kelly -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
Contents"Somebody Else's Treasure" by Frank Ramirez
The Kiss -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
A Story to Live By The Kiss
The Mayor's Wife -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- David O. Bales, Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Mayor's Wife" by David O. Bales

SermonStudio

Christ Can Do It -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in

Worship

The Immediate Word

Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Ordinary Time 11 / Pentecost 4 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 2:15-21Theme: The Past Through The Present
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-21a Theme: Evil Deeds Lead To Destruction
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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