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Philippians 4:4-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Only the Grateful Believe -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful.
Filled With The Bread of Life -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
One of the joys of Thanksgiving is having a reason to give thanks to our Creator.
Winter is Coming -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
The end of the Christian year is at hand. In the natural world, autumn is fading into winter.
Reflecting our story -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- David Coffin -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Imagine a family sitting down at the table around the Thanksgiving meal.
Party time! -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
During the Middle Ages, parts of Europe had a wonderfully unusual annual celebration called the Feas
Grown-up gratitude -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Every parent has been through it. As your child gets bigger and
The secret of a perfect Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Mehmed II was the great Ottoman conqueror who captured Constantinople in 1453.
Grown-up gratitude -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
Every parent has been through it.
Don't mention it? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1998
Saying "thank you" is something we do ten, twenty, thirty times a day.
The full gospel -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
There wasn't much sophistication about the preaching of John the Baptist.

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Only the Grateful Believe -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful.

Children's sermon

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Happy thoughts -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, w
Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (v. 4)
Giving thanks -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Good morning! Who can tell me what today is? (Let them
Think thankful thoughts -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Today please pretend with me that this is a crystal ball. Some
Rejoice! -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

Drama

SermonStudio

Restoration Rules! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18, Psalm 85 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2022) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 100
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2019) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2016) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, R. Robert Cueni, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
In the comic strip... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
In the comic strip by the same name, Frank and Ernest are coming out of a high school, math class.
Giving thanks makes... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Giving thanks makes you happy.
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Deuteronomy 26:1-11Those in the creative arts, such as musicians, songwriters,
NULL -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
Prior to accepting the cabinet position as Secretary of
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson, the
Christians come to the Bible... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Christians come to the Bible for advice on how to plan their lives, adjust their attitudes,
Feel better by saying a... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
"Feel better by saying a few kind words to yourself." That was the gist of an article I saw
Sometimes when we talk about... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Sometimes when we talk about hymns of "Christian Soldiers," we are criticized as being
I have a good friend... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
I have a good friend who once served as a college chaplain. She has many great stories to
I have a good friend... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
I have a good friend who once served as a college chaplain.
According to a recent Yale... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
According to a recent Yale University study, bad hair days are a cause of low self-esteem.
Paul instructs us not to... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
Paul instructs us not to have any worries. But often that seems to be easier said than done.
Gavin de Becker in his... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2001
Gavin de Becker in his book, The Gift of Fear, states that the biggest fears Americans have a
So often in this world... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1998
So often in this world we figure that the only response to violence is more violence.
John Bunyan describes Christ's peace... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1998
John Bunyan describes Christ's peace in Pilgrim's Progress, following the Christian's having

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Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

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Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

A New Resolve -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Scott Suskovic -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
"Stand firm in the Lord" (Philippians 4:1).
Think On These Things -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In the letter to the people at Philippi, Paul wanted us to think on things that are beautiful, pure,
"What If?" Or "Why Not?" -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Worry changes nothing but the worrier and most always in a negative way!
Pure Prayer -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert R. Kopp -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

Stories

StoryShare

Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.
Practice Makes Perfect -- Luke 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Contents"Practice Makes Perfect" by Sandra Herrmann
A Pilgrim's Thanksgiving -- John 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- John Fitzgerald -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2016
Contents "A Pilgrim's Thanksgiving" by John Fitzgerald
Celebrating The Bounty Of God -- John 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Contents"Celebrating the Bounty of God" by Sandra Herrmann
A Thanksgiving Miracle -- John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 100 -- John E. Sumwalt, Fanny Lee Seville, Timothy F. Merrill -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week "A Thanksgiving Miracle" by John Sumwalt

Free Access

Farewell to Our Sound of Music Friend -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
The Lord is near.

SermonStudio

Fat-finger Dialing -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving DayPhilippians 4:4-9Fat-finger Dialing
Have No Anxiety -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Many years ago, when my little son, David, was 28 months old and my baby, Charles, was three months

Worship

The Immediate Word

Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
I am an adventure-er on a voyage of discovery,
Thanksgiving Day -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-9Theme: Good Things -- Good God
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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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 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.

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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.

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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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