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John 20:19-31

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Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-31 -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-31 -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A

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Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Peace In An Angry World -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Division and unrest seem to be the general state of affairs in the world today.
Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the

CSSPlus

Surprise! -- John 20:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
"When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
Believe -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them,
Retainers -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the
Which direction? -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to go hiking?
Nailprints -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Written for you -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Happy Easter! Did you know that it's still Easter?
The marks on Jesus -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Do you see this flower? It is called a dogwood. There is
Shalom -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning! I brought this picture to show you today. What
Blessed are those who believe -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning! Last Sunday we heard how Jesus was raised from the dead.
No illusion here! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical
Peace! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
When Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples must have been
Palm prints -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
When Jesus was killed, his followers were very afraid. They
I'll believe it when I see it -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone ever told you
I'll believe it when I see it -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone ever told you
I doubt it! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let
Scars tell a story -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning, boys and girls.
Christ is risen -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Easter was wonderful, wasn't it?

SermonStudio

I Doubt It! -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Thomas' transition from doubt to faith concerning the resurrection of Jesus.
Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He

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Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He

Children's Story

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Doubt about the... -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Doubt about the resurrection is not just Thomas' hang-up.
Transactional analysis (TA)... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Transactional analysis (TA) is an integrative approach to the theory of psychology and psychotherapy
It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith... -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The story of Doubting Thomas: It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith.
John Quincy Adamswould arise at 4 AM every day... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, would arise at 4 AM every day.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2013) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile.
NULL -- Acts 2:14-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Acts 2:14-32
NULL -- John 20:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Rebecca wanted to go out to dinner with all of her friends, but had to work instead.
NULL -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
On January 14, 2011, President Barack Obama issued his proclamation for Religious Freedom Day.
Acts 5:27-32 A... -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 5:27-32
Acts 4:32-35br... -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 4:32-35
We always draw a solid... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
We always draw a solid lesson from Thomas' doubt: Believe even if you haven't seen.
On this first Easter evening... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
On this first Easter evening the doors aren't just shut. They're locked.
Anxiety is prevalent in our... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Anxiety is prevalent in our world today, and the church is certainly not immune to worldly concerns.
Before he was the nationally... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Before he was the nationally famous chaplain at Yale University, before he was the
Abraham Lincoln never claimed to... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Abraham Lincoln never claimed to be a Christian. His closest friends were in agreement
Brittney says she did not... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Brittney says she did not go to church with her family much while growing up. In
Sandra and Elena came bounding... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Sandra and Elena came bounding out of the school. "Mr. Winter has given us the period
Acts 2:14a, 22-32... -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Acts 2:14a, 22-32

The Immediate Word

Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do

Intercession

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E)
The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
faith and doubt -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E, L)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Here is a picture of the apostolic church. In this passage we
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E, L)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe

Sermon

SermonStudio

Bearing The Scars -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I remember taking my first real high school date to see the movie Jaws -- that summer blockbuster fr
Easter For Thomas, Too -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The urge to be a part of what is going on is very powerful.
Believing Is Seeing -- John 20:19-31 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
I attended graduate school at St.
Confession: Confess And Absolve -- Joel 2:28-32, John 20:19-31 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Office Of The Keys And Confession
Through Many Doors, He Comes -- John 20:19-31 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Jesus came to earth. Jesus left earth.
The Last Beatitude -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievab
Calling A Spade A Spade -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... Unless I see... I will not believe...
Late For Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
There have been a number of occasions in my life where I have had the opportunity to make a complete
Do Not Be Doubting But Believe! -- John 20:19-31 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
What a week it had been for the disciples. Everything had
Easter Power -- John 20:19-31 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Storms that knock out electrical systems make us mindful of how dependent we are upon power.
The Disciple From Missouri -- John 20:19-31 -- Charles Michael Mills -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The disciple from Missouri, "Didymus" which in the Greek
When Thomas Doubted -- John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1992
A German was the guest of a Frenchman who asked him how they distinguished between an optimist and a
What Happens When We Can't Believe It? -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
All three of our Bible lessons for today touch on themes that cannot help but direct our attention t
A Word For All Reasons -- John 20:19-31 -- John M. Braaten -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Easter has happened.
Colorizing Jesus -- John 20:19-31 -- Carl L. Jech -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1988
Most of us are familiar with the controversy that has been going on over the issue of "colorizing" o
The Faith Struggle -- John 20:19-31 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
Let us pray: Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.
Doubting Thomas And His Twin -- John 20:19-31 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign.

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe

The Village Shepherd

The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison in
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison i
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
At the end of last year there was feverish speculation over what the press termed the "race" to beco

Stories

SermonStudio

''This Is My Body'' -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Tommy Russo tried and tried to go to church with his wife.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kenneth Lyerly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
When my mother called the last time to tell us that Dad was in the hospital again, and not doing wel

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 20:26, John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Seeing Jesus"
Can There Be Any Doubt? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Contents From the StoryShare Archives: "Can There Be Any Doubt?"
Reason To Doubt -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Reason to Doubt"
The Mighty Metaphor Machine -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
And Jesus Will Be Our Friend -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank R. Fisher, John S. Smylie, Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The DoubterCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 20:19-31
Jesus' Appearance to the Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32Theme: But God IsCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is merciful and the Lord is wonderful and great!
Jesus Appears To His Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or as a call
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIPBless our God who has given us counsel.
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
EASTER 2 -- Psalm 16:5-11, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The primary theme of these texts selected for Easter 2 is appropriately, implicitly or explicitly, t
Jesus Appears to the Disciples, and Makes a Special Appearance to Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

Special Occasion

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