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The Baptism of Jesus and Baptism of the Spirit. -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The baptism of Jesus and baptism of the Spirit.
Local History As Gospel Parable -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
In my 35 years of preaching I never found a sermon series in which the congregation and community ha
Palm Sunday -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
"When they were approaching Jerusalem." These words open the Palm Sunday text.
The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hold on you. -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hol
The Epiphany Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Epiphany Through The Centuries
Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, God's
The Parable Of The Sower -- Mark 4:1-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We have indicated a number of times that the Parable of the Sower plays a crucial role in the overal
Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord.
God's good news -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's good news.
Passion Sunday -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The Sunday of the Passion confronts us with a different kind of challenge.
God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy. -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy.
Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, th
Proper 10; Pentecost 9 -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Today's text centers in two men: John the Baptist and King Herod.
Getting back to the basics -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Getting back to the basics, to love God with one's entire being and to love the
A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing.
Proper 11; Pentecost 10 -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
In her outline of Mark's Gospel, Mary Ann Tolbert presents Mark 6:35„8:21 as a unit of material.
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.
We are saved by grace through faith -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: We are saved by grace through faith.
Proper 17; Pentecost 16 -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
With Mark 7 we come to some repetition of basic Markan themes.
Knowing the signs of the Lord's return -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing the signs of the Lord's return.
The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new heart. -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new h
Proper 18; Pentecost 17 -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Both of the Markan stories appointed for this week take place in the land of the Gentiles.
The Church is renewed -- Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Church is renewed as it opens itself to the transforming power of the gospel
The Lenten Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Historical Development
Proper 20; Pentecost 19 -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The lectionary moves directly from the story on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:1-8) to Jesus' secon

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Good News! -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
A young girl was driving around the city with her family, looking at the various displays of Christm
The Touch Of Human Kindness -- Matthew 8:14-15 -- 2001
It was a cold and icy day in January as a gasoline truck
Buried, But Alive -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Baptism is a solemn, sincere, often serene, significant service of Christian worship.
When Life Is The Pits! -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Joseph got thrown in a big hole by his brothers, and he quickly discovered what life is like down in
Free: For What? -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina sits on property that was once a large southern plantation.
When It Hurts To Forgive -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
How could Joseph possibly forgive his brothers after all they did to him?
Still Small Voice -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Ask any child at Christmas!
The Critic's Choice -- Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites ..."
The Nails -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
During these Sundays in Lent, we have been looking at the symbols of the cross.
Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit -- Luke 23:46 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
Perhaps no scene is more indelibly impressed in the consciousness of western civilization than that
What Is Priceless? -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Life In The Old Bones Yet -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Several years ago a psychologist conducted a survey in which he asked 3,000 people the question, "Wh
The Power Of A Dream -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Do you dream? Do you remember your dreams?
Too Err Is Human -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Craig Christina in his excellent sermon, "Between Two Worlds," reminds us of Robert Lewis Stevenson'
Nothing Left But A Baby In A Basket -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Every head of a family would like to do everything possible to make life better for the next generat
What Good Music Can Do For You -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
It is a scientific fact that when the music of Mozart is played in a henhouse, chickens lay more egg
Asking -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men."
Mary Magdalene -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Unloved and unlovable.
One-Way Theology -- Exodus 20:3 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
God knows we don't do much theology these days.
It Is Finished -- John 19:30 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
In the time of Jesus, Rome was a great power, but it was a brutal power.
How Much Is Enough? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Is there anything better to eat than fresh homemade bread? I don't think so.
For And Against -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Show And Tell -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
An article in U.S.
Cheating The Reaper -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation ..." (v. 1 NIV). No condemnation! No condemnation?
I Really Am Who I Am! -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Have you ever been driving down the road and seen something so irresistible that you ended up going

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He Has Come Back To Life! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation (By the Worship Leader)
Grace -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's a popular slang phrase that begs another to ease up
Cables -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In Washington State, the old timers remember the Starbuck
What Is That In Your Hand? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
Commitment -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"Make me feel good, Lord," is the prayer of some who seek an
Trees -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A scourge of the emerging generations is their state of
Like A New Batch Of Dough -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music Appropriate To Observance Of The EucharistWords Of Preparation:
"They" -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"They" is an ugly word. It robs us of our most precious gift -
Hospital Gowns -- George A. Nye -- 1994
One of the worst things about being a patient in the hospital
What Can I Do With Who I Am? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation Matthew 16:13-17 (TEV)
Building Arks -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Build your ark while the ground is dry; for when the floods
Hope -- George A. Nye -- 1994
For some of us, there comes a time when we lose hope. The
What Did You Say? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation from Psalm 15
Joint Responsibility -- George A. Nye -- 1994
One of the saddest of human experiences is divorce and often,
Valuables -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Things possess the qualities of fun, value, or interest that
Expect Great Things To Happen! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
Elevators -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The "3-Ds" that terrify us the most are disease,
Goofs -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I remember in the 1950s, seeing Jackie Gleason run off stage
With Christ As Partner -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
The Visitor -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In yarns about visitors from outer space, alien life from the
Natural Expressions -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Jesus tells us the parable of The Good Samaritan, in which a
Self-limitations -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"It's my life!" "This is my body!" We're very possessive of
If We Are Dreamers -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationThe Call To Worship:
George A. Nye -- 1994
With Praise And CelebrationNumber 4Pastor: Immortal God!
Headlines -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The tabloid headlines at the checkout stands are intriguing.

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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.

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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.)

Special Occasion

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