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Psalm 65

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What Just Happened Out There? -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
Nothing is something because it provides a blank stage for God’s miracles to be clearly seen.
What God wants -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
In 2000, Mel Gibson played a character named Nick Marshall in the movie What Women Want.
Keep looking up -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
In my childhood home, there was a wall plaque, unadorned except for three words: "Keep
What God wants -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
In 2000, Mel Gibson played a character named Nick Marshall in the movie What Women Want.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

A Better World Together -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65, Sirach 35:12-17, Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
For October 26, 2025:
Life is a Participation Trophy -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
For October 23, 2022:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Praise Is Due To You, O God, In Zion -- Psalm 65 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion ... O you who answer prayer!

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Life is a Participation Trophy -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
For October 23, 2022:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

Liturgy

The Immediate Word

A Better World Together -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65, Sirach 35:12-17, Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
For October 26, 2025:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

A Better World Together -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65, Sirach 35:12-17, Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
For October 26, 2025:
Life is a Participation Trophy -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
For October 23, 2022:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, Psalm 65 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayWhat thankfulness does to us. Collect of the Day
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are two fundamental theories that govern our human existence.
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God.
Thanksgiving Day -- Psalm 65 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2006
(See Proper 25/Pentecost 23/Ordinary Time 30, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 20 -- Psalm 65 -- James Evans -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
(See Thanksgiving Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

A Better World Together -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65, Sirach 35:12-17, Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
For October 26, 2025:
Life is a Participation Trophy -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
For October 23, 2022:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

Stories

StoryShare

Looking Ahead -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Argile Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
Contents What's Up This Week "Looking Ahead" by Argile Smith
Tangled Up in Stuff -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Contents “Tangled Up in Stuff” by C. David McKirachan
Aunt June's Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- David O. Bales, Keith Wagner -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2017
Contents "Aunt June’s Thanksgiving" by John Fitzgerald
I Was A Prisoner -- Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 65 -- Peter Andrew Smith, John Fitzgerald -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
Contents "I Was A Prisoner" by Peter Andrew Smith
More Than One Winner -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
Contents "More Than One Winner" by Frank Ramirez
Thanksgiving Bible -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Contents"Thanksgiving Bible" by Frank Ramirez
Finish Line -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
Contents"Finish Line" by Keith Hewitt "Prayer Life" by John Fitzgerald
The Land That God Promised -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2011
Contents"The Land That God Promised" by Frank Ramirez
G P S -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
Contents"G P S" by Keith Hewitt "Growing Up" by John Sumwalt
Be Joyful -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- John S. Smylie, Craig Kelly, David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Be Joyful" by John Smylie
Illustrations And Stories For October 28, 2007 -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Steven Dykstra -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
Arrogance
So Long For Now -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt, Karen Steineke -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week: "So Long For Now" by John & Jo Sumwalt
Arrogance -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

You Don't Depend On People -- Psalm 65 -- John E. Sumwalt, Larry Winebrenner -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Names and places in the following account have been changed to protect the guilty.

Worship

The Immediate Word

A Better World Together -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65, Sirach 35:12-17, Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
For October 26, 2025:
Life is a Participation Trophy -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
For October 23, 2022:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

SermonStudio

Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 23 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
PreludeProcessional Hymn
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65, Luke 17:11-19 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Plow The Fields And Scatter (CBH96, PH560)
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 65)One: Praise is due to you, O God.
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Psalm 65 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Praise Is Due You, O God -- Psalm 65 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship.9 readers - three-generational groups of men
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

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 -

CSSPlus

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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