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Haggai 1:15b--2:9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Glimpses of the End -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
Haggai 1:15b--2:9
Response to Distractions -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- David Coffin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
All four of today’s texts address distractions which may lead us astray of becoming the people of fa
Standing Orders -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
Some commands and instructions are for the moment. Some are relegated to the past.
Eschatological ethics -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2016
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic Moby Dick, where peglegged Captai
To glorify God -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- David Coffin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
A church council member announces to the rest of the members and the pastor that a certain family ha
Life in the waiting lane -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
According to a study released in May, the average annual traffic delay per person, nationwide in 199
A bright forecast -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Primitive people, even more than we, were at the mercy of the weather. They were

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Nazish Naseem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
For November 9, 2025:
Questions That Really Don't Matter -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C, All Saints Day - C -- 2022
For November 6, 2022:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
My spirit abides among you; do not fear.-- Haggai 2:5b

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Nazish Naseem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
For November 9, 2025:
Questions That Really Don't Matter -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C, All Saints Day - C -- 2022
For November 6, 2022:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2022) -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Haggai 1:15b--2:9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2025) -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Haggai 2:1-15b--2:9 and Psalm 145:2-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98
The great composer... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
The great composer George Frideric Handel sent word to the local tavern owner to prepare a dinner fo
NULL -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
Click here for
NULL -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
John Meacham, senior editor of Newsweek magazine, wrote an editorial in the June 21, 2010, pu
NULL -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
If you asked Sasha what her dearest wish was, she would tell you this: peace.
The year is 1989. A... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
The year is 1989. A single man, a Chinese student, is standing on a Beijing street, holding
A PBS documentary on Queen... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
A PBS documentary on Queen Elizabeth highlighted one of the more poignant moments
Denny was part of a... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Denny was part of a church that met in a vacant store in a shopping center. The church
The Sistine Chapel is at... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
The Sistine Chapel is at once beautiful, magnificent, and has a value that can't be

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Nazish Naseem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
For November 9, 2025:
Questions That Really Don't Matter -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C, All Saints Day - C -- 2022
For November 6, 2022:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

SermonStudio

Proper 27/Pentecost 25/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
A cynic once remarked that Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God, and what he got was the church -
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Haggai 1:15b--2:9 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Nazish Naseem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
For November 9, 2025:
Questions That Really Don't Matter -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C, All Saints Day - C -- 2022
For November 6, 2022:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

SermonStudio

Making Something Out Of Nothing -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Making something out of nothing. We often use that phrase in a negative sense.
Building The Temple Of God -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Haggai is what has been labeled as the first of the restoration prophets, and he has no recorded his
God Restores Us To Life -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
Living Free -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Mark Ellingson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Why are things not better in America?

Stories

StoryShare

World's End -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Contents "World's End" by Keith Hewitt "The Wrong Lens" by Frank Ramirez
The Long Shot -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Keith Hewitt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
The governor, the priest, and the soldier sat in a grove of olive trees, looking across the valley i
Man Of Lawlessness -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- John Fitzgerald, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2016
Contents "Man of Lawlessness" by John Fitzgerald
The Greatest Generation -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- John Fitzgerald, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
Contents"The Greatest Generation" by John Fitzgerald
Low Bid -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- David O. Bales, Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Contents "Low Bid" by David Bales "God of the Living" by Frank Fisher

SermonStudio

A Religion That Shows -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Some little girls went on a hike with their scout troop.
Unfinished Buildings -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Travel to Bangkok, Thailand, and you'll fall in love with this beautiful city of the Orient.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Nazish Naseem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2025
For November 9, 2025:
Questions That Really Don't Matter -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C, All Saints Day - C -- 2022
For November 6, 2022:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 / Pentecost 25 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Haggai 1:15b--2:9Theme: You Ain't See Nothin' Yet!
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Be Discouraged -- The Lord Is With YouCall To Worship
Take Courage And Work -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Take courage and work.
God's promised blessing -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Give praise to the Lord, for God's kingdom is at hand!
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

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.

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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

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