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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
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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 August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

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John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

Special Occasion

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