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SermonStudio

Have You Considered The Price Tag? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Stephen Covey, author of First Things First and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl
The Gordian Knot -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
A Man Possessed By An Evil Spirit
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Purity In An Impure Age -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Someone has said that if sin were not in the vocabulary, it would have to be invented.
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
ContextContext Of Advent 1 In The Church Year
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 30:4--5, 12)
Men And Women Of God -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
The late Henri Nouwen had a unique insight into the shepherding skills of a pastor, and in one of hi
Preaching The Parables -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2002
In Mark we read that Jesus "did not speak to them without a parable" (Mark 4:34), while the Lectiona
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 85)
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
John 10 is generally considered the "Good Shepherd" chapter in a manner similar to the way that Hebr
Our Work, Our Mission Field -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Tony Campolo tells the story of an English professor who suddenly quit his job.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: God loves the world.
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
A number of years ago, PBS presented a television series, The Great Search, which examined wo
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Hear us, God; answer us.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
"Why is this man so popular?" This question appeared on the cover of Time magazine beside a s
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is so good!
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPMen: Praise the Lord.
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel presents two parables for preaching.
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
The Christian Alternative To Materialism -- 1 Timothy 6:6-9 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
In one sense, the Christian faith is the most materialistic of all the world's great religions.
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
"Oh, no, not for five Sundays!" a preacher may exclaim when he/she looks at the Gospel for Propers 1
What Do We Have To Offer? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
A pastor was asked by a visitor to his church, "What do you have to offer?" The wise pastor answered
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Adam And Evie -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- 2004
(A story sermon with dialogical parts that can be read by a pastor and two or more church members.)
Disciplined People -- Matthew 5:5 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
A television quiz show would flash a word before a contestant and the contestant was expected to say
What If The End Is Near? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Someone handed me a note at the door of the church building a few Sundays ago.
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
The Letter To Pergamum -- Revelation 2:12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
You remember the famous story of Balaam and his talking ass?
Call Waiting -- John 1:29-42 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Chaim Potok was an intensely religious man; a Jew who explored the dimensions of faith in our lives.
A Peek At The Resurrection -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to
Temptation Of The Palms -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Be Bold In The Spirit -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Further On Up The Road -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
As best I can remember it, the comment came as part of a discussion about the media frenzy immediate
Valentines -- 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:8a, 13 -- 2004
Back in February of 1848, Esther Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke Seminary for Females (now Mount
Creative Management Of The Earth -- Genesis 2:4-9, 15 -- 2004
God created the earth and the earth was like a beautiful garden full of all of the good things neede
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
The Letter To Thyatira -- Revelation 2:18-29 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Kurt Vonnegut is a famous author of surreal novels.
Kairos Commitments -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
Pentecost And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly
One Nation, Under God -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- 2004
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it
On Sharing Leadership -- Judges 4:1-10 -- 2004
Some of the most far--reaching and conspicuous changes that have occurred in our culture in recent y
What Is Success? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Erma Bombeck wrote, "I can't remember the name of the man who spoke at my high school commencement,
Can You Hear Me Now? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A cell phone commercial asks, "Can you hear me now?" The assumption is that one can hear any place,
The Letter To Sardis -- Revelation 3:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Pat and Mike were somberly looking over the casket that held their late good friend Liam.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Larry's Boat -- John 3:1-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
It wasn't as though Larry was a bad person -- he certainly was not.
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.
I Left My Heart In Philadelphia -- John 9:1-41 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
When Barbara and Charlie joined the church they spoke of it as being a homecoming.
Henry's New Life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Henry hit bottom. Perhaps what made the situation worse was that he knew he hit bottom.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.
Herman's Stand -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
Herman is a courageous Christian who is not afraid to take a stand even if others might perceive it
A Gift Is Only A Gift When It Is Shared -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Beth cannot remember a time when she did not attend church, probably because she never had a choice.
Seventh Grade Sunday School Class -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers.
And Then There Was Eve -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Eve was one of those kids who, no matter how hard anyone tried, no one could reach.
Alice's Hindsight -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Alice would be the first to admit that she was too young when she got married.
It's Not In The Bible -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"The Lord helps those who help themselves."That sounds all right to me.
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
The Lord Willing ... -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"Do not boast about tomorrow;you don't know what it may bring."
A Wolf In Shepherd's Clothing -- John 10:11-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Jason Drexler was good with sheep. He enjoyed caring for the sheep on his father's farm.
If I Live To Be A Hundred -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Sam Duncan lay in the semi-darkness of his nursing home room performing the only two activities of w
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
A Child's Faith -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
We're happy that our little grandson Grayenjoys the times he spends the night with us.
Sheep Without A Shepherd -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Christ Community Church was without a pastor for the third time within four years. Dr.
A Prophet Without Honor -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
There was once a young man who grew up in a small farming community.
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Anniversary -- Psalm 15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Harry and Herman had lived in the big brick house on the hill in Willow Bluff for almost half a cent
Dor's Vision -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
As I lay in St. Luke's Hospital, being prepared for an aortagram, I felt quite apprehensive.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 10 -- Romans 8:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life In The SpiritCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Trusted Friend -- Romans 16 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Phoebe Delivers Paul's Letter To Rome
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Psalm 29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship
The Prodigal Son: "Sunrise Or Sunset?" -- Luke 15:11ff: -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in Middle Eastern attire.
The Elder Son: "The Coat Says It All" -- Luke 15:25ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in farming clothing, well-dressed, clean, wearing a jacket/vest/robe that is n
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 18 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love One AnotherCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The SowerCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: SalvationCall To Worship
Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! -- Revelation 1, 4, and 5 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
John The Baptist On The Isle Of Patmos
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Father: "Not Your Typical Parent" -- Luke 15:20-24 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in first century, Middle Eastern attire.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: ImmanuelCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: We Live When God's Spirit Is Within UsCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Two Or Three TogetherCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Psalm 25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
All Saints Sunday -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
It Was A Very Long Year -- Genesis 6-9 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Noah's Sojourn On The Ark
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Is FaithfulCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: In The Face Of PersecutionCall To Worship
The Mother: "Where's Mom? -- Luke 15:22-23 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: woman dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps in black, suggesting mourning.

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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