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John 1:1-14

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Children's Activity

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God spoke -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Jesus' birth certificate -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
Teachers or Parents: The words of our Gospel text are awesome!
How many know him? -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Teachers or Parents: Christmas has unfortunately become a
"Words or Word?" -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Teachers or Parents: Show your chidren how you communicate
God's word -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
Teachers or Parents: In the middle of all the activity

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Christmas stories new and old -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
Christmas accommodates a lot of stories.
Where is God? -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
There was a delightful article from the Associated Press some time ago that claimed God had been fou
The gift of receiving -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore.
Wonder-filled -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
What will be special about Christmas this year? What will be the same about Christmas this year?
Our God reigns -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
The Babylonian captivity provided the original context for this oracle.
FIRST LESSON FOCUS -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen
Story versus Message -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Christmastime is a wonderful time.
Home for Christmas -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
My living room contains a painting of the great race between a horse and a steam locomotive by the C
From God to us -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
There will be a lot of present-opening these days.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

No Room? No Way! -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
For December 25, 2022:
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

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God spoke -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his
Jesus' birth certificate -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
Good morning! Can any of you tell me what this is? (Show the
How many know him? -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Good morning! What are we celebrating today? (Let them
What are we celebrating? -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
Good morning! Do you have any of these hanging on your tree?
Words or Word? -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Merry Christmas! Today we should talk about Jesus -- since
God's word -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A
Do you know what I'm thinking? (Let them answer.) Is there any
Living Word -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
If I got a letter from my parents telling me they loved me, that would be nice, but it wouldn't be

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Tortoise And The Rabbit -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
"Stop it!" cried the tortoise as he tried to withdraw his head back into his shell.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
The light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.-- John 1:5

Drama

SermonStudio

What's The Word? -- John 1:1-14, Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, Psalm 98 -- John A. Tenbrook -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Birthday -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
ThemeThe Holy Spirit works to bring everyone to Jesus.Summary

Illustration

The Immediate Word

No Room? No Way! -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
For December 25, 2022:
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2017) -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
Isaiah 52:7-10
A coach had a private... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2002
A coach had a private session with his quarterback. They watched the film of a recent game.
Nazareth was the town where... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2002
Nazareth was the town where a carpenter named Joseph and a young woman named Mary lived, the town wh
In a Time commentary on... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2002
In a Time commentary on the movie, Spider-Man, James Poniewozik makes the point that we like our her
Are you serious? Shirley asked... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2002
"Are you serious?" Shirley asked with amazement.
Remember those scenes in I... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2001
Remember those scenes in My Fair Lady when Eliza Doolittle labors long and hard to say words
You have my word that... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2001
"You have my word that I will love you forever!" the young man whispered to his sweetheart as he pla
A parishioner came to his... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2001
A parishioner came to his pastor and asked her to pray for him in some specific matter.
To say, The Word became... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2001
To say, "The Word became Flesh," is to declare that God, against all expectation, identified in the
Toby Young, the youngest man... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2000
Toby Young, the youngest man ever to make partner at the prestigious law firm of McBride and Johnson
Hans Christian Anderson once wrote... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2000
Hans Christian Anderson once wrote a poignant story titled "The Little Match Girl." The little girl
In the Celtic tradition, they... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2000
In the Celtic tradition, they speak of "thin places." By "thin places," they mean those occasions wh
Washington Irving spun the tale... -- John 1:1-14 -- 2000
Washington Irving spun the tale of Rip Van Winkle who ascended the Catskill Mountains on a hunting t
One day, after many threatening... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1999
One day, after many threatening phone calls, Dr.
It may seem strange on... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1999
It may seem strange on the day after Christmas to read from the Fourth Gospel, for in John the birt
Many of us have a... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1999
Many of us have a deep desire to visit the Holy Land, to "walk where Jesus walked." The pages of th
The first building that Mother... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1999
The first building that Mother Teresa began to operate out of in India was formerly a kind of hotel
Each year Phillips Brooks touches... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1998
Each year Phillips Brooks touches countless lives through the words of his lovely Christmas carol, "
In Mere ChristianityI... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1998
In Mere Christianity, C. S.
The room was far too... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1998
The room was far too quiet for the first class of a new course.
Prisms are interesting little instruments... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1998
Prisms are interesting little instruments.
John Meister, in a sermon... -- John 1:1-14 -- 1997
John Meister, in a sermon titled: "When God Speaks," offers this homely illustration: A mother is ex

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Loving God, I'm A Mere Speck Compared With You... -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Joyful God, it's your birthday... -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

SermonStudio

The Communicating Word, the Illuminating Light -- John 1:1-14 -- Dennis Koch -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The Communicating Word, the Illuminating Light
God's Word in fullness and flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- Dennis Koch -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: John's reworking of this pre-Christmas hymn implies an irony:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

No Room? No Way! -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
For December 25, 2022:
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

No Room? No Way! -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
For December 25, 2022:
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

SermonStudio

Word Made Flesh -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Two observations about language: In the academic world, this is what we might call "the season of ve
Light In Darkness, Speech From Silence -- Isaiah 9:2-7, John 1:1-14 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back.
The Glory Of Flesh And Blood -- Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
A few springs ago, I installed a small pond in the side yard of our home.
Son Of God, Love's Pure Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 60:1-6, Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
The ship's captain stood at the helm on a night that boasted neither moon nor stars, but only impene
Words, Words, Word -- John 1:1-14 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
Let me begin by reading a few announcements from church bulletins. These are actual announcements.
Let It Shine! -- John 1:1-14 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
The Gospel of John makes one of the most powerful observations in all scripture: "In the beginning
Christmas and the New Family -- John 1:1-14 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1988
When Wilbur and Orville Wright completed their historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on Dec
Real Presence -- John 1:1-14 -- R. E. Lybrand -- 1987
It is said that King Charles V, the king of Scotland, many years ago, wondered what life was like fo

The Village Shepherd

Words, Words, Words! -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
I remember a children's annual I had as a child, which had a picture of Goofy and Mickey Mouse o
Will You 'Open That Sack Called Your Heart, And Share...'? -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
I want to read you a poem. It's called "Santa's Secret Wish",

Stories

StoryShare

The Conversation -- John 1:1-14, Psalm 98, Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
Contents "The Conversation" by Keith Hewitt

Free Access

The Conversation -- John 1:1-14, Psalm 98, Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
Contents "The Conversation" by Keith Hewitt

SermonStudio

Flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Uncle Patrick came to live with us after Gram died, in the fall of my senior year.
A Baby Wrapped In Diapers -- John 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1994
HBO hit the jackpot! The ratings they achieved for their special on Michael Jackson were awesome.

Worship

The Immediate Word

No Room? No Way! -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
For December 25, 2022:
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

SermonStudio

Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year A -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Christmas Day -- Using John's Gospel Reading
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas DayFor John 1:1-14
The Nativity of our Lord -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1-5) Leader: In the beginning was the Word
Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
Christmas Eve/Day -- Luke 2:1-10, John 1:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 2:1-10 or John 1:1-14
A Light Shines in the Darkness -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Prophetic Word -- And The Living Word -- Isaiah 40:1-5, John 1:1-14 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim, Lisa Johnson Wrote The Beholders -- 1999
First Sunday In Advent Isaiah 40:1-5; John 1:1-14
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- James R. Wilson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
CHRISTMAS DAY -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- B. David Hostetter -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God's return to reign -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Deutero-Isaiah's enthronement announcement - "Your God reigns!" - and vision of Yah
Christ's unique superiority -- Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Birth of the World's Savior -- Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Introit
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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29 – Sermons
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

Special Occasion

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