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Mark 1:40-45

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Children's Activity

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Make me clean! -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Teachers or Parents: Like the unclean leper that Jesus cured, all
Following Instructions -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Materials None Instructions

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Is there something wrong with me? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
We are a very sensitive generation.
Follow the directions -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Over the course of my lifetime, I have occasionally been caught up in the recurrent genealogy fads t
To be clean -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." We don't hear that old proverb much any more, but its meaning is

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Joe's New School -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Call to Worship: A leper said to Jesus, "If you choose, you can make me clean." As

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

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Being a Blabbermouth -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: This is one of those provocative stories in the gospel where Jesus seems to w
Listening to Jesus -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning! Did you have any trouble getting here this morning?
Make me clean! -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning! Do you ever have any clothes as dirty as this?

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Mr Skillett And Mrs Round -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Mr Skillett was as tall as a bus, and as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
2 Kings 5:1-14
Epiphany 6 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:40-45

Drama

SermonStudio

Heal! -- 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 42 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Moses -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Theme
How To Give Away Your Faith -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (2012) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14
Comedian David "Sinbad" Adkins owed $8.15 million in back taxes -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Comedian David "Sinbad" Adkins owed $8.15 million in back taxes.
2 Kings 5:1-14br... -- Mark 1:40-45, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
2 Kings 5:1-14
The RSV maintains a more... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
The RSV maintains a more literal translation of the leper's words, "If you will, you can make
Booker T. Washington describes meeting... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Booker T.
During World War II, Winston... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
During World War II, Winston Churchill was forced to make a painful choice.
Pastor Stephey Bilynskyj, starts each... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Pastor Stephey Bilynskyj, starts each confirmation class with a jar full of beans.
Haley is the smart one... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Haley is the "smart one" at school.
Joanne was a wife, mother... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Joanne was a wife, mother, and foster mother.
Jesus told the healed leper... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Jesus told the healed leper not to tell others about his healing, but the man told everyone he met.
Not all cries for help... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Not all cries for help are heeded.
Grace Bedell lived in the... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
Grace Bedell lived in the village of Westfield, New York. In 1860 she was nine years old.
What is it like to... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
What is it like to be totally alone?
Sometimes it is better to... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
Sometimes it is better to keep quiet and hidden about the good things that happen to us.
What is clean or unclean... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
What is clean or unclean? It's largely in how you look at it. Alcohol can be good.
Much is made of secrets... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
Much is made of secrets.
No date or place is... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1994
No date or place is given for this healing, Mark inserts it here as an example of Jesus' activity on
Prof. H. D. A. Major... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1991
Prof. H. D. A.
It is easy to understand... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1991
It is easy to understand why the leper, healed by the touch of Christ, wanted to tell everyone about
(A)Mark... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(A)
(A)Mark... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(A)
A)Naaman was... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(A)
(A)Good... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(A)

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa

StoryShare

The Path To Healing -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Contents"The Path to Healing" by Peter Andrew Smith

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Universal God... -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Andrew Daughters -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
A leper came to Jesus,a living man, yet dead.He asked the Lord to cleanse him.

Prayer

SermonStudio

The secret that cannot be silenced or suppressed -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage presents a conventional miracle story with Mark's

Preaching

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod finds surprising ways to heal.
Where Healing And Acceptance Meet -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Mark 1:40-45 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his mas
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
Begging, Touching, Healing, Growling -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Miracle Three Begging, Touching, Healing, GrowlingThe Text
The Man Who Stormed The Kingdom Of God With Violence -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Leper
Healing A Leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1-15 (E)
Epiphany 6 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We have before us this week another healing story as the One who brings God's reign explodes into mi
God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
Elisha was a prophet of Israel in the ninth century. He was
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
In the pre-1970 church year, this would probably have been one of the gesima Sundays, partly because
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
The Leper Healed -- Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
1. Text

Sermon

SermonStudio

Unstoppable Love -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2015
If I could only preach one sermon, my point would be Jesus loves us more than we could ever imagine
Daring to Touch -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Sam Keen in his book, To a Dancing God, tells of accidentally tripping over a rock one day wh
Skin Game -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Let's think about skin for a minute. Skin is something very precious to us.
The Compassion Of Christ -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, there was a city which was adorned by a beautiful statue.
The Wideness In God's Mercy -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Many fundamentalist Christian groups would have us believe that the Bible has all the answers to the
Love, Medicine, And Miracles -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
It was the cover story in Psychology Today.
A Hands-on Religion -- Mark 1:40-45 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
A leper confronted Jesus and said to him, "If you want to, you can make me clean." I would imagine
Caring Isn't Enough -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
"Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

The Village Shepherd

Loving The Unlovely -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
When our eldest daughter was four, she crazed us to have a dog.

Stories

StoryShare

The Path To Healing -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Contents"The Path to Healing" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Deserving Recipient -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Untouchables -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
The Untouchables
Blabbermouth -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
"Blabbermouth!" His mother was enraged. "You're nothing but a blabbermouth!
Time To See The Moon -- Mark 1:40-45 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Her life was a suffocating mess, totally out of control.

Worship

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 30. Leader: I will exalt you, O Lord,
If Only ... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPRejoice and be glad, good people, sing aloud before our
Jesus' healing of the leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus Heals the Leper, and Warns Him Not to Tell Anyone -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Pastoral Invitation
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
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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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

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