Login / Signup

John 1:1-14

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

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)

CSSPlus

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...
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.

CSSPlus

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

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

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL