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Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Eschatology - the "last things" - is the order of the day on this next to the last Sunday of Penteco
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Christians live between the time of the Lord's resurrection and his anticipated return to the earth.
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Since every Sunday of the church year is a "Little Easter," and since John 6 is being read as the Go
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
Two saints' days that occur this week remind the church what its theological task should be on Sunda
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
With the church year nearing the end of its annual cycle - and with Advent (with its eschatological
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Liturgically official or not, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is the Sunday after the Ascension, if not
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
The theological clue contained in this part of the church year continues to be kerygmatic, informing
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
The theological content of every Sunday in the year focuses on the resurrection of our Lord as a "Li
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
It is critical, at this juncture of the church year, to remember that the lectionary and the church
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
At this juncture in the church year, which is now well into the second half of Pentecost, the preach
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1, 2:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
The early Christian Church could sustain its cry of "Christ is risen!
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Good Friday -- John 18:1-19:42, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
The readings:John 18:1--19:42
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
The very numbering of the Sundays reminds every pastor that the end of the Pentecost cycle/season is
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
In the pre-1970 church year, this would probably have been one of the gesima Sundays, partly because
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Christians live between the time of the Lord's resurrection and his anticipated return to the earth.
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1990
In addition to the emphasis of reconciliation between God and his people, a central motif of the Mau

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The Sadness Of God -- Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel tells a haunting story from the concentration camps.
Love, Medicine, And Miracles -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
It was the cover story in Psychology Today.
A New Name -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
What names did people call you as you were growing up?
For Crying Out Loud! -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
My dog really wasn't much of a dog, but he was my dog. His name was Jack II.
Home For Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Beverly Elliot hadn't seen her son Russell Love in more than four years.
Barefoot In The Pulpit -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared especially for a congregation of ministers.
Our Jealous Husband -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
These are Ten Commandments that little children know to be true:
Who Wuda Thunk It? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
In 1969 the New York Mets won the World Series, becoming the world champions of baseball.
Anti-Venom Serum -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Years ago, when we lived in Alberta, Sunday nights were very special for us.
A New Day Begins With Breakfast -- John 21:1-14 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was preached at a regular worship service in the chapel of Columbia Seminary.
Just What The Doctor Ordered -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A wealthy entrepreneur was consternated to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
Calling, Condemnation, And Charred Stumps -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Snoopy, of Peanuts comic strip fame, was sitting on his dog house writing another novel.
Finding The Right Superlatives -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
When Bob Zuppke was football coach at the University of Illinois, the team thrived under his enthusi
Advent On A Shoestring -- John 1:6-8, 19-28; 13:1-5, 12-17 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was first preached in the chapel of Columbia Seminary during the Advent season of 19
Something Old, Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It's amazing how fast things change.
Friendship? Yes, Please! -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
According to a recent poll only about ten percent of American males say they have a good friend.
On Being Thankful On Cue -- Philippians 1:1-21 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon is clearly "historically conditioned." It was preached to a seminary congregation in
Shameless Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Paul W. Kummer -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Today is Palm Sunday.
How To Affair-Proof Your Marriage! -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
Country singer Gene Watson croons:Slip into something soft,
On Plowing New Ground -- 1 Kings 19:19-21 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for and preached at a service in the Columbia Seminary chapel during th
Stay In The City -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
When Jesus leaves earth, in the Ascension, he advises that we stay in the city.
How To Treat Your Enemies -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Did you hear about the man who went into the preaching ministry, worked for seven years, then resign
Symbols Of Hope And Reality -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John A. Stroman -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
We are about to embark on Holy Week.
Capturing The Butterfly Dream -- Daniel 2:1-12, 27-28a -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was preached in the Columbia Seminary chapel during the summer session of 1992.
Becoming New -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
When we fast we are not to become dismal.

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John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
50. Birds were born to sing.
Proper 20 -- Psalm 107:1-9 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever.
Advent 2 -- Psalm 126 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,we were like those who dream.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. A lot of us carry photographs that we like to share with friends.
Children -- Jeremiah 1, 31, Psalm 139 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All: Thus saith the Lord;Light Solo: A voiceLight Trio: was heard in Ramah,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
24. Gracious God, we come to your table as a people in need of direction.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
51. We live in an age that doubts love, and is afraid of the commitment it requires.
Proper 21 -- Psalm 107:1, 33-43 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1991
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever.
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
Surely God is my salvation;I will trust, and will not be afraid,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
100. If we receive all gifts in measure of our deserving, they would be few and small.
Heaven -- John 14, Revelation 21 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All: In my Father's house are many mansions.Light Solo: And I saw the holy city,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
11. God of Christ open our hearts to the majesty and wonder of your love.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41. None of us can be alone, what God has created us to be.
Proper 22 -- Psalm 101 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1991
I will sing of loyalty and of justice;to you, O Lord, I will sing.
Advent 4 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,you who lead Joseph like a flock!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
10.
Praise -- Psalm 24 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All Dark: The earth is the Lord'sAll Light: the earth is the Lord's,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
31. We gather to be in the presence and sing the praise of God.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
45. We had a certified public accountant who believed the offering was God's tax on his people.
Proper 23 -- Psalm 26 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1991
Vindicate me, O Lord,for I have walked in my integrity;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
30. Communion calls us to our potential.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
46.
Proper 24 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1991
You are righteous, O Lord,and your judgments are right.
Ascension Sunday -- Psalm 47 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Clap your hands, all you peoples;shout to God with loud songs of joy.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. The offering plate is a story.

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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.)

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