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How Special You Are! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a brand--new dress, suit, or some very special piece of clothing
Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash
Worship, Work, Rest, And Play -- John 4:5-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach how worship fits into our lives. Key verses: 19--24.
A Great Partnership -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: salt and pepper shakers
Joining The Team -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some baseball team caps - all of them with the same letter team logo
God Became Human -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the incarnation.
Friends And Favors -- Philemon 8-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Saved In The Nick Of Time -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some stones, clubs, swords, and knives
Eric Eraser -- Luke 9:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a well--worn rubber eraser
The Funnel Of God -- John 16:12-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a funnel
Homework Is A Duty -- Luke 17:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some homework papers
Paul Meets A Celebrity -- Acts 25:23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Time Is Running Out -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new bar of soap and a very used bar of soap
Do The Dishes? -- 1 Peter 4:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: dirty dishes
Children All Are We -- John 3:1-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to be born again.
The Armor Of God -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a football uniform with all the equipment
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a ladder and a sponge
You're A Teacher -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To help the children see themselves as teachers of the Gospel.
Special -- Philemon 7-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ordinary coins and some collector's coins
Learning To Forgive A Lot -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a small bag of potatoes and a twenty--pound bag of potatoes
It's Not On Any Map -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large map of the world, any map of Israel, or a globe of the world
Warning! -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a warning device, like a siren or buzzer
The Right Side -- Acts 24:1-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things with two sides but only one of them is usable, such as a dinner plate, an umbr
Believing In Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a carpenter's sawhorse
Hermon, The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none

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Ascension -- Jeff Wedge -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Share
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Jo
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another.
Support Your Local Church -- Matthew 17:24-27 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
This chapter will prove that fishing is the sport officially endorsed by Jesus the Son of God.
Old Age -- Browning -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Browning wrote:Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!
Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Giving Up, In Lent -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During Lent, a certain man and his wife decided to give up drinking.
God Bless America -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A late nineteenth century Jewish immigrant, from western Siberia to the U.S., was the universally we
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
There's A Man On The Cross -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the Chicago Temple United Methodist Church was built, they placed on top of it one of the highe
Whose Birthday? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was gift unwrapping time on Christmas morning, and Grandma asked her little granddaughter if she
The Urgency Of Our Mission -- Mark 16:9-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The ending of Mark has posed interesting problems for Bible scholars and students throughout the age
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
With this text, there now occurs a long gap of time in the biblical history of Israel.
Seed Investments -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Mother's Driving -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A school teacher was discussing highway safety and advised the children that once they started cross
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
This is the second of the Servant Songs found in the prophecies of Second Isaiah, from the sixth cen
Give To God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Let's take an informal, random survey. How many of you like paying taxes? No one?
Old Age -- Longfellow -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote:He has achieved greatness who has lived well,
Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
1. Text
God's Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Little Jimmy had lain on a hillock in the middle of a meadow one warm spring day.
God Knows -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
David, the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, is now located in a museum in Florence, Italy.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Lifetime Of One Day -- Romans 8:38-39 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a day-old, premature infant girlA Lifetime Of One Day
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 4 Children's Message Blue
Like A Tree Planted -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
You have probably never thought seriously about tiptoeing through the treetops, but there is a place
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Song Sung Blue -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Some records are made to be broken -- like Olympic speed skating; Cal Ripkin, Jr.'s, most consecutiv
The Radiating Reformation -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The assigned lesson reading from Romans for this festival worship includes these comments by Saint P
Call To Oneness -- John 17:20-26 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
When, dear God, shall Christians all be one? It is a first-century inquiry.
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.
A New Continuing -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David R. Cartwright -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
That first Pentecost was a grand and glorious day. It was a new beginning.
Past, Present, Future -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
We have a great history as a nation, but many of us are content with the pious stories we learned as
Hidden Treasure -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived in fearHidden Treasure
First Things First -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Gary L. Carver -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
No moment in the life of a parent is more awesome than when a child leaves home for the first time a
The Difference Between Knowing And Doing -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- John Jamison -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
It is difficult to be the church. What we have been asked to do here is not easy.
Come To Me -- Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- Dr. Frank Efird, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-old cancer victim, shortly before her confirmation
We Weep For Our Children -- John 8:12, Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young man at ChristmasWe Weep For Our Children
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Christmas Eve/Day Children's Message White
The Possible Dream -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Sibling rivalry. It's the pits. It has been around as long as there have been siblings around.
Building God's Kingdom: The Christian Challenge -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
On December 26, 2004, the greatest natural disaster experienced in the world in over a century struc
Letters From A Loving Prophet -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Jeremiah was the last of the great prophets to minister to the Hebrew people during the days of thei
Psalm 46 And Reformation Today -- Psalm 46 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Chaos breaking into life, from creation to now -- today's psalmody was Psalm 46.
Guided By The Spirit -- John 16:12-15 -- David R. Cartwright -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
There are two main ways to go about teaching someone something.
Essentials -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
D. L. Miller of Mount Morris, Illinois, was a world traveler among a people who didn't travel much.
A Lost Soul Returns Home -- Titus 2 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man struggling with alcohol and AIDS
Repentance Is Relationship! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Repentance is relationship.
God's Grammar -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Jamison -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
In the last reading from Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, he addressed the ongoing feud in th

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A beautiful stained-glass window in New York state has the inscription, "To a sainted mother." Let t
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is the positive presence of Jesus.
A Random Act Of Kindness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
In his book A Time to Fish and A Time to Dry Nets (1996: Lakewood Publishing Co.), author Alv
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to prick the conscience of ethics and morals of people.
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Country
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christian mothers realize that faith is the belief that we are loved by God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems "The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Bitterness Will Get You Nowhere -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Some people cannot communicate unless they are complaining. It's irritating, isn't it?
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Paul Lewis suggested that mothers ought to take photos of the children doing things right -- daily c
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness unto the Lord is more than a thought ... it is a lifestyle.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A Christian can be defined as someone who sets his goals, commits himself, then pursues his goals wi
Baptism By Spit -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers put the music in our hearts.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Leprosy is a horrendous skin condition, a mycobacterial disease.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Rejoice And Be Merry! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 117)
Songs Of The Season/Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come ready to receive what God shall give.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
HymnsAwake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
No Fair -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
HymnsHail To The Lord's Anointed (LBW87, CBH185, NCH104, UM203)
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)
Hospitality -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsSleepers Wake (PH17, UM720, LBW31)
Spirit Of Truth -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipCome, Holy Spirit, come!Come with wind and fire!
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:19-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
Here Is Your God -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Living Stones -- 1 Peter 2:4-6, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, CBH211, NCH127)
Spiritual Gifts/One Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here as people of many talents;
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (LBW88, PH83, NCH209, UM267)
What A Sign! -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 7:11 and 14)
Losing Equals Living -- Mark 8:31-35, Proverbs 1:20-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come - to praise God for life.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, NCH211, NCH127)
Stewardship -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe have indeed been blessed by God.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, Romans 5:1-8 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Are Dancing Sarah's Circle (NCH501)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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
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Christmas!
24 – Sermons
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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

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

Invitation to Confession:

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

Lord, have mercy.

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

Christ, have mercy.

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

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

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


What's Up on Christmas Eve

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


* * * * * * * *


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

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

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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