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Lose Your Life In God -- Mark 8:30-38 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: instant cocoa powder and a spoon; also a container for the children to dump the powde
The Treasure Inside -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coffee can filled with jewelry and money
God's House Is Special -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some items that appear to be for sale with prices marked on them
Your Roots -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: several plants at various stages of growth with their roots exposed
Bringing People To God -- Acts 3:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a digital camera and things that go together: letters, numbers, salt and pepper shake
Now What Do We Do? -- John 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some wine and some water in containers, to show the children
Good Guys And Bad Guys -- Jude 4 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bandana to tie around your neck and face
Parable Of The Crabby Grass -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Encouragement to be wheat rather than tares.
You Have To Change The Inside -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ballpoint pen out of ink, several empty pens that the cartridge can be put into, an
Lord Of Light And Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)Object: two buckets of water
Saying "Yes" To Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a red floor tile, a white floor tile, and a gray floor tile (you may use three of any
Telltale Fingernails -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fingernail clippings or any sign of some nervous habit
Happy Birthday, Church! -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big electric fan, with the sound increased by use of a microphone (if a fan is not
You Shall See Great Things -- John 1:43-51 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an airplane model - the earliest model available - and a moon rocket
Imitating The Good -- 3 John 11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two drums and two drum sticks
Dirty-hearted People -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Growth takes place only in fertile, receptive people.
Make A Friend For Jesus -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big walking stick

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Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I sought my soul, my soul I could not see.I sought my God, my God eluded me.
The Fool Who Signed His Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago, Reverend Henry Ward Beecher said he received a letter of criticism, and the last page had
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Three Men And A Savior -- Matthew 27:15-26 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Three men. Perhaps they were boyhood friends all their lives. Perhaps they hooked up as adults.
That Bag Of Cookies -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The other day a businessman reported to an airport, purchased his ticket, and was checked through ca
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Our Christmas celebrations are associated with light.
The Secret of Preaching Without a Net -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Prepare like crazy, so that you areoverprepared.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Matthew 5:38-48 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Ring Those Bells! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was springtime in 1799, when Napoleon laid siege on the city of Feldkirk, Austria.
A Forrest Gump Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Saint Peter saw Forrest Gump, a familiar name in the movies, at the entrance to Heaven.
Accountability -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"What kind of a place would this place be,If everyone in it were just like me?"
What One Man Can Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Roman Catholic monk, Polemicus, dared to oppose gladiatorial death in the Coliseum of Rome.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
For centuries, the Christian Church has regarded this fourth Servant Song in Second Isaiah as a prop
A True Christian -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Armenian-Turkish War in Europe early in the twentieth century, an Armenian nurse discovered o
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
1. Text
About Fishing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sitting still and fishing makes no person great;
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Channel One -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Not being a television electronic designer, I do not know why all television sets begin with Channel
The Four Levels Of Life -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.The level of instinct.2.The level of duty.
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
Any Last Words? -- Mark 15:34, 39, Luke 23:46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Famous last words. You can tell a lot about a person by his last words.
That Special Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
As a man was leaving for his office on a wintry day, his wife hinted, "Tomorrow is a special day, yo
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
"My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God" (Isaiah 40:27).

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Only The Lost And The Least -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
A woman approached her pastor with a question: "Where is the lost and found department in our church
A Multitude Of Thoughts -- Psalm 139:1-18 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful manA Multitude Of Thoughts
Fade To Black -- James 1:10-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceFade To BlackJames 1:10-11
Testing Time -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
To live the Christian life is to be tested.
Incarnation In Nashville -- Isaiah 9:5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to Mary.
The Smell Of Bread -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
One of the most popular television shows ever was M*A*S*H, which ran for eleven seasons, from
A True, Modern Parable -- Romans 7:21--8:2 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 44-year-old man who was the pastor's best friend
We're On Our Way, Baby -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:3 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Today is the Sunday when we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment in his ministry when up
My Earlier Life -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- John Jamison -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism.
Itchy Ears -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
As usual, the epistle is a little more graphic than we can quite grasp.
By The Sweat Of His Brow -- Genesis 3:19 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a working man who died from diabetes
A Puzzling Parable With A Sharp Point -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
A young boy used to describe foods like spinach by saying, "I hate it." His wise mother responded, "
Passages -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful womanPassages
Restless Realism -- James 4:9 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceRestless RealismJames 4:9
No Intimidation -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Boldness is necessary to accomplish ministry, especially that which is prophetic and points to judgm
Behind The Brocade -- Isaiah 9:2b, 5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Washing In Old Jordan -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
I know a man who has a severe back injury and lives with constant pain.
The Sign Of God -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Most of us have wrestled with questions like these at one time or another:
Flying Coach To Nirvana -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
A good friend of mine, Bob Frederickson, is writing a travel book called Flying Coach To Nirvana.
Teacher Wit A Pen -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 57-year-old who died shortly after the birth of her first grandson
Shoots Of Tomorrow -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mil
Welcome, Rich And Poor -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Can you name some disillusioned people you've met in life?
Dancing Through Life -- Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a native of Scotland who loved dancing
More Time -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Who can speak of "justice" in any long-standing and helpful way?
Last Piece Of The Puzzle -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2006
Advent is the time of waiting, of wishing, and of wanting an intervention.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Who Am I? -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Who am I,That I should haveYour coming revealed to me?I am poor,
Cleansing Feet; Cleansing Soul -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Matthew and Mary Beth were at a trade show.
Put Your Net On The Other Side -- John 21:1-19 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
When Beth was a teenager, she lived on the streets.
Twelve-Year-Old Wisdom -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Twelve years on earth isn't much time. Many people who live today reach eighty years of age.
The Bread Of Life -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Belinda and Karen were on the altar guild the day before Palm Sunday.
Sheep Crossing -- John 10:22-30 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Chuck laughed as he told the story. He had been on a trip to the Netherlands on business.
We Are God's Temple -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Karny runs. She runs marathons. She runs races. She runs for fun.
A Fire Of Change -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
The Panorama Fire in Southern California burned out of control.
Love One Another: Love Jacob -- John 13:31-35 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Jacob can be so annoying. He talks loudly during Sunday School.
Terry's Taxi -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Terry is a taxi driver in Dallas, Texas.
Sabbath At Mt. Carmel -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
The cabins at Mt. Carmel Bible Retreat are small.
Newspaper Prayers -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
I was at a Bible study on prayer when the leader handed each of us a section of the newspaper.
Success -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
She didn't want to go to the reunion.
Merle's Treasure -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Merle Kvamme called three times before I could return her call the next day.
Jesus, The Messiah; Jesus, The Crisis -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Cecilia knew she was having trouble with her pregnancy when the doctor called and asked her and her
The Business Of Healing -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed but every city still had a synagogue.
A Place Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Stan's grandfather started a machine repair business that became successful: it had a steady stream
The Cost Of The Kingdom -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
"Brooke, are you aware of the demands that will be placed on you? Can you handle them?
The Wedding Ring -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
I was in great pain.
Too Old To Work? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Carol was too old to be out of work and too young to be on Social Security.
Prison -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
We lived only about six miles from church, but we had to pass a maximum security prison on our way.
Alert -- 1999
The Dow Chemical Company in Pittsburg, California, had a leak of chlorine gas when a gasket broke in
Inclusiveness -- 1999
"Springing up on Pentecost and Calvary, the church flows through the ages like a river, that same ri
A Change Of Heart -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Moe wasn't always so nice.
Insights -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The classes never did turn out as I would have liked.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
The Coming King -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Proper 11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: God of time, the moments are yours.
Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The Light has been shining.
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create pure hearts in us, O God,
The Power Of Faith In The Risen Christ -- Acts 3:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O God, answer us when we pray.
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: The Lord's Spirit Stays With Us
Proper 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Proverbs 9:1-6)
Proper 13 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1-8)
When We Lose Patience -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Blessedness Of Unity -- Acts 4:32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
The Holy TrinityFirst Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Who Will Go?
Proper 16 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Lamentations 3:19-26)
The Ten Commandments -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength.
God Has No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Call To Leadership -- 1 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is greatPeople: and is to be highly praised.
Hope For The Future -- Samuel 23:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 119:105-112)
Proper 6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 123)
God's Covenant With Abraham -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipCome, let us worship the God of Abraham and our God, too.
The Mercy Of God -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Lord Provides -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship

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
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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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