Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

The Song of the People of God -- George M. Bass -- 1984
The Church of San Clemente, located about 300 yards from the Coliseum in Rome, is a graphic symbol o
Weddings -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The union of a man and a woman in the bonds of matrimony is the most sacred special occasion in whic
Funerals -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The value placed on a human life varies between cultures, but one consistent factor is the fear and
Dedications and Installations -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
In considering dedication and installation services, there are several misconceptions that need to b
Baptismal Services -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The Christian rite (sacrament, in some denominations) of baptism was not a completely new and unrela
Communion -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
From its inception to the present, Communion has been a vital part of the worship and practice of th
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Seasonal Theme
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Seasonal Theme
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Theme For The DayThe real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and its meaning for us.
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Baptism Of Our LordFirst Sunday After The Epiphany
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - B
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

What About Us Grils? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... wise men from the East came...
You May Have To Die First -- John 1:29-42 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead.
The Second Naivete: Babies, Angels, Shepherds, And God -- Philippians 2:8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1998
You would have liked him as did thousands, perhaps millions.
The Anatomy Of A Journey -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Terah, the father of Abraham, gathered up all his family and possessions and set out to go from Chal
Moving At The Speed Of Light: In Corinth Or Cana? -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
It is hard to know what more can be said about marriage. Weddings are stressors.
Reducing Life To A Single Word -- John 4:7-11, 16-19 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
"We love because he first loved us." Search where you will in the Bible, you will not find a simpler
The Promise Containing All Promises -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25 -- R. Glen Miles -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise conta
The Stealth Disciple -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
In the "Science & Technology," section of a recent issue of Business Week magazine, there was an
This Little Light Of Mine Is Yours And Everybody Else's Too -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- R. Glen Miles -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
"Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." When the disciple of
Water, Water, Everywhere -- John 4:5-42 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Reading the Gospel lesson this week a snatch of poetry I learned somewhere along the way kept runnin
Is It Real Or Is It Memorex? -- Matthew 13:24-30 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... When the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well...
Is Anything Too Wonderful For The Lord? -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
Abraham was an old man and his wife Sarah was almost as old as he was.
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Nazareth: Family Ties -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
When I was a child and my mother started thinking out loud about "going home," she meant driving to
Whispered Preaching -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- R. Glen Miles -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen.
Blind Driveways -- John 9:1-41 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
King George VI, addressing his subjects at the beginning of a new year, said in his annual message:
18-Inch Gap -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
...
Does God Bother About Our Troubles? -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Did you ever find jewels in a wilderness?
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Jerusalem: What Word Would You Say? -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing," asserts Paul in First Corinthians.
The Church Of The Servant -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- R. Glen Miles -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Have you ever sighed at the end of a work day and wondered, "Did I accomplish anything today?" Mayb
Upon Those In The Tombs Bestowing Life -- John 11:1-45 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
In the Orthodox Church, Easter worship includes the singing of a hymn that goes:
The Heroism Of Going On -- 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... After he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth brother...
Getting A Fix On The Future -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Abraham was an experienced listener. Perhaps once or twice he had listened too well.
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Athens: Unknown Apostles -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
How many people are helpful to us in a given stretch of time?
Between Gloom And Glory -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- R. Glen Miles -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today.
Go Love! -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Passion Sunday -- Psalm 31:9-16, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1986
The texts selected for the observance of Lent 6 as Passion Sunday each year obviously emphasize the
The joy of salvation -- Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12 Theme: The joy of salvation
Peace in God's Kingdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
LENT 6 -- Psalm 118:19-29, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- 1986
As we become increasingly aware of the oppressive political situation in which the Jesus of history
Jesus' grace and Adam's sin -- Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 10:24-33 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Christ's unique superiority -- Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
God's call to be holy -- Exodus 19:1-9 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:All creation belongs to God, and all people.People:
We are sinners by our own choice -- Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-19 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Psalm 89:20-21, 24, 26, Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Norman A. Beck -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1986
What an interesting selection of texts we have for Maundy Thursday in Series A!
Unto us a child is born -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Rejoice! For God's light has come to dispel our darkness!
ADVENT 1 -- Psalm 122 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Among the four texts chosen for this occasion in Series A of the lectionary we are using, perhaps Ps
PROPER 10 -- Psalm 69:6-15, Exodus 2:11-22, Isaiah 55:10-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1986
These seven texts are dominated by the theme of the good news of God's deliverance of those who are
Struggling with past sin -- Genesis 32:22-32 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ADVENT 2 -- Psalm 72:1-8 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
This psalm is a prayer to God in behalf of an Israelite king and even more in behalf of the people o
The glory, majesty, and power of God -- Exodus 19:16-24, Romans 13:1-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 11 -- Psalm 103:1-13, Exodus 3:1-12, Exodus 3:1-12, Romans 8:18-25 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1986
An important connecting link between most of these texts is the emphasis on the qualities or attribu
Fellowship of believers -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ADVENT 3 -- Psalm 146:5-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
This psalm sharply contrasts the inadequacy of all human rulers with the total adequacy of the Lord
The righteousness God requires -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 12 -- Psalm 105:1-11, Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30, Matthew 13:44-52 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1986
"Wisdom from God" is the major unifying motif in all of these texts except the Common selections Psa
Divine providence -- Exodus 1:6-14, 22-2:10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Christ's resurrection is for all people -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4 -- Heth H. Corl -- Easter Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ADVENT 4 -- Psalm 24, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Many of us will recall use of this psalm in opening worship services for Sunday School or call to wo
Rules for the redeemed -- Exodus 20:1-20 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 13 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1986
The proclamation of God's free, abundant, loving grace is the dominant theme of all of these texts.

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

Wildcard SSL