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Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

How God Lovingly Showers His Gifts On Us and Gives Us Fresh Starts -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Vulnerability Responses -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- David Coffin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2021
It could happen in any given community for a variety of reasons.
Turn of Fortune -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
In 1954, Marcelle Maurtette wrote a play called Anastasia.
The good voice of poverty -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
In my times of great energy and passionate success, I never think about death. I was born to live!
Who was, who is, and who is to come -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
I have been leading several dozen folks from my congregation through a year-long, cover-to-cover rea
Acts of consecration -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
While one of our daughters was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, she was
Little things count -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2000
As our universe becomes larger (ala the Hubble telescope), our interests can become smaller.
Godly women -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1997
The Bible, we know, is mostly about men.
Beyond compare -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Much of the rest of our culture is unapologetic about sacrifice.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2024) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2021) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2021
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2018) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2015) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
NULL -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ted Geisel of Springfield, Massachusetts, wanted to be a writer.
NULL -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
The whole story of Ruth is full of surprises. The surprising loyalty to a mother-in-law.
Security is a good thing... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Security is a good thing (no doubt about it!). A certain group of steelworkers discovered
Scientists have long been fascinated... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Scientists have long been fascinated by the factors which cause one person to be attracted
Cathy had pretty much given... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Cathy had pretty much given up on the idea that she would meet "Mr. Right" and live
If you were to ask... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
If you were to ask young people what two things are the most important, they'd probably
Everybody wants some claim to... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Everybody wants some claim to fame.
When performing a motor skill... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
When performing a motor skill, like thrashing grain in the barn, what is more important to the task:
Boaz and Ruth would have... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Boaz and Ruth would have liked Marion McQuade.
Imagine overhearing this conversation:br... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Imagine overhearing this conversation:

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayDistributing our Lord's treasures.
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day Jesus encourages proportionate giving.
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
Proper 27 (C, E) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 (C)
Security -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Security.
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
With the guidance of Naomi, Ruth gets Boaz as a husband. She
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

From Emptiness To Fullness -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Today, we learn from two women. The first is the woman we met last week, Ruth.
Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s.
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Expanding The Boundaries -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
The Book of Ruth is a family story. It is an old story, possibly over three thousand years old.
From Rejection To Redemption -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gloria Steinem has written a book titled Marilyn.
God's Way Of Doing Things -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John P. Rossing -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
I know a couple who have on their wall a framed piece of needlework that someone gave them for a wed

The Village Shepherd

Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Note: This sermon fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Free Access

The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.

Stories

StoryShare

Blessings Of Unconventional Marriage -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Contents “Blessings Of Unconventional Marriage” by David O. Bales
Forgive And Forget -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
Contents "Forgive and Forget" by Keith Wagner
A New Birth -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Contents"A New Birth" by Peter Andrew Smith
Friedensstadt -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Friedensstadt" by Keith Hewitt

Worship

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
Strategy -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been redeemed by the Lord come now for worship!

Free Access

Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
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...
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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
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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.

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.

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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.)

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