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SermonStudio

How Did You Play The Game? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the last great Scorer comesTo write against your name;
What's Missing? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The newspaper reported that a new post office was built in a certain town, and the day was set for i
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.
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)
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
The resurrection is for everyone. That is the message of our text.
Channel One -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Not being a television electronic designer, I do not know why all television sets begin with Channel
The Good Neighbor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you ever had a time in your life when you were totally helpless? It may happen suddenly.
The Cuckoo Clock -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man stayed out so late one night that when he quietly came into the bedroom, the cuckoo clock stru
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1--7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5--6 (RC)
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
By specifying this text on the first Sunday after Christmas -- that day so often called "low Sunday,
A Real Death For A Real Atonement -- John 19 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Which is more important, the death of Jesus, or the resurrection of Jesus?
Romans 8:28 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
If there was ever a time when this Bible verse had tremendous significance, it has been during the t
It's Shortening -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man who was not tall and muscular asked a friend what he could do to make himself taller and more
Study -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
The preacher who would work without a net, like all preachers, will need to pay attention to the act
How To Handle Criticism -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Gary Moore, an early television personality, used to tell how he handled a letter of false criticism
When Henry Ford Gave A Dime -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago Martha Berry, founder of the Berry Schools in the mountains of Georgia, visited Henry Ford
A Real Pain -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor asked a friend if he would be willing to substitute in the pulpit of his church on a certai
A Man Born Blind -- John 9:1-41 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC)
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Three important religious festivals are prescribed for Israel in the Old Testament -- Tabernacles i
Christmas Eve From Outer Space -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The astronauts on Apollo VIII were exploring outer space around the moon, but they were men w
The Holy Bible And Pitcairn Island -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember the movie Mutiny on the Bounty?
A Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man worked in a factory where they made all kinds of garden tools; all the way from hand tools to

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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?
Boasting And Praying For You -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Recently, I was asked to give a prayer at the area chamber of commerce meeting, with these instructi
The Two Prodigals -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The relationship between and among siblings is a study both intriguing and challenging.
Pins, Patterns, Peace -- John 16:22 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an 81-year-old woman whose strong faith guided her decision to refuse dialysis
Mother Teresa And The Messianic Life -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
"On that day," promised wild Isaiah, "on that day when things are finally set right, the wolf sha
Easter Sunday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The six Sundays in Lent have been a precursor for the coming of Easter.
When Nothing More Can Be Done -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Colleen was a good woman with a bad heart.
A Life Of Service To Others -- Matthew 25:31-46, Daniel 12:1-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a very giving personA Life Of Service To Others
Preparing The Way -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Preparing the way can become an all-consuming endeavor.
Faithquakes -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
A woman who went through her first earthquake in California said, as it was happening, "I think a tr
Do Not Be Quickly Shaken -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Several years ago, Lyle Schaller made the observation that ministry, once a "high status, low stress
Holy Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us.
A Vision Of Heaven -- Isaiah, Psalm 23 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who suffered a cruel disease
John The Baptist And Jewel Cave -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Prepare ye the
Good Friday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The climax for examining the areas of our lives where we may be wounded individually as well as corp
A "Somebody Done Somebody Wrong" Song -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
A House Even Better Than "Buurma-Built" -- Romans 8:28, 31, 36, 37-39 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful man
An Invitation To Joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Stan Freberg has written a musical farce parodying the commercialization of the Advent season, appro
Gratitude -- A State Of Mind -- Luke 17:11-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Today's Gospel Reading reminds us once again that Jesus' journey has a destination.
Weary In Well Doing -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
What makes people weary is conflict.
History Hangs In The Balance -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
One would be hard pressed to find a historical event with so many ramifications equal to these words
The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge -- Hebrews 12:12-13, Deuteronomy, Psalm 23, Psalm 84 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who had endured much pain
Combat Fatigue And Christmas -- James 5:7-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Be patient, my brothers, until the Lord comes.
Wounded In Our Thoughts -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, James 3:1-12 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesBad tapes (bad programs)Poor self-image
A Father's Heart Cry -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Steven and LaDonna had been married nearly ten years before they were finally able to conceive a muc

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Insights -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The classes never did turn out as I would have liked.
A Change Of Heart -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Moe wasn't always so nice.
A Beautiful Creation -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
All he saw was a dark, formless blob. A blob that he knew would one day come alive with character.
Diversity -- 1999
The Indonesian national motto is "Binneka Tuggal Ika," which means "Unity in Diversity." This
Pentecost -- 1999
That first Pentecost must have been something else! 3000 baptized.
Angels -- 1999
On an Air Wisconsin flight from Appleton, Wisconsin, I noticed they chain the tail down on a Dash 7
Inhumanity -- 1999
In the television special Wallenberg, a Lutheran Swede and member of a wealthy family in Swed
Vulnerable -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The small boy had hit his head sharply on the corner of a table and he fought back the tears.
Rules -- 1999
At a wedding reception at the Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, still dressed in clerical black, I stepp
Bureaucratic Prisons -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Writers such as Kenneth Boulding have stated that the real revolution of modern times is the organiz
God's Love -- 1999
While I was greeting people at the door as guest preacher for the day, a woman came up behind me, pu
The Invitation To Join -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Pao felt disconnected. Like he didn't belong. Like he didn't have a purpose.
The Message Of The Cross -- John 18:33-37 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
"Can you make a banner for the church?"
Easter -- 1999
There is a small church called Saint Peter in the Parish of Saint Andrew about one half hour from Ki
Potential -- 1999
Mark Twain tells the story of the Calaveras County jumping frog.
Baptism -- 1999
Former Bishop Blevins announced at the funeral of his 24-year-old son who had committed suicide: "To
Jealousy -- 1999
I saw the Shakespeare play Othello again.
So Thankful -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I looked over at her sitting on the car seat beside me.
Sacrifice -- 1999
Marvin Kalb on NBC interviewed an old man who had the grazing rights for his cows on the land where
Meanness -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
New owners acquire a private social service facility.
God's People -- 1999
We walked five miles from ToToTa, Liberia, to a little bush village.
Joined Together -- John 6:56-69 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
I was nervous. I was asked just a few hours ago to fill in at the nursing home and lead worship.
The Body Of Christ ... For You -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Constance Berg -- 1999
"This is the body of Christ, broken for you."
Emmanuel -- 1999
On an episode of the formerly popular television sitcom Night Court, Mac, the black court bai
Power -- 1999
Pastor Joe Allison of Saint Peters, Monrovia, Liberia, tells that after 600 were slaughtered in the

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on John 3:3-17)
Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)
The Sign Of The Covenant -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Giants Who Would Enslave Us -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord rules the world with righteousness;
Sealing The Covenant -- Exodus 24:3-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: It is not long before the journey ends.
Proper 8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 2:11-22)
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: He was despised and rejected by others.
The Loss Of A Friend -- 1 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
The Promise Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Maundy Thursday -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
A First Century Communion Litany
Proper 25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 16)One: Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
The Lord's Love For His People -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Voice Of The People -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: We thank you, Lord, with all our hearts,
He Will Wipe Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Palm Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)
Proper 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Revelation 1:8)
God's Forgiveness -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past."
Not The Outward Appearance, But The Heart Is What Matters -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
God Promises David His Kingdom Shall Be Forever -- 2 Samuel 1:1-11, 16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: God's promises are sure.
Pentecost Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipOne: Who is like God?All: No one is like God.
Proper 4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Corinthians 6:8-13)
Obedience to God -- The Way To New Life -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing praise to the Lord, all his faithful people!
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
The Good News Of Deliverance -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I waited patiently for the Lord.

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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