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Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2001
During the reign of Saul (ca.1020--1000 B.C.), Israel's principal enemies were the Philistines, thos
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.
Language tools in reference to the process of redemption -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Our human predicament
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
There are three decisive times in the Old Testament when God breaks into Israel's history with a new
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2001
We have here the account of how David was made king over all the tribes of Israel, after ruling for
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2001
I wonder if you remember one of the characters in the popular television series, M*A*S*H.
Language tools in reference to the life of the Christian -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Prayer and our relationship with God
All Saints' Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2001
One of the best ways to uncover the principal themes of an Old Testament text is to note its repetit
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2001
The lectionary has a way of eliminating from a passage those sections that are considered distastefu
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2001
Who is Jesus Christ?
Language Skills For A Prophetic Ministry -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
I hope this book's "clips and quips" not only will provide resources you find useful, but also will
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2001
This passage is the stated Old Testament Lesson for Ascension Sunday also in Cycle A.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2001
This text forms one of the most important theological passages in the Old Testament.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
This is the same Old Testament text that will be specified for Christmas Day in Cycles A and C.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2001
There are many other texts in the Old Testament that call for the repentance appropriate to Ash Wedn
The First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

View From The Mountaintop -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Mountains fascinate us. They tower majestically against the horizon, strong and immovable.
Thanks Be To God -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Richard C. Brand -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It is at this point that so many of us feel the temptation to tune out.
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
Heaping Coals And Virtues -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A French writer and historian once wrote, "We owe to the Middle Ages the two worst inventions of hum
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.
His Last Command ... Our First Concern! -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the fall of 1971, I visited Leo Tolstoy's home in Moscow.
Healing And Forgiveness -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
In The Darkness Of Suffering, There Is The Light Of Life -- John 1:1-13 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
Several years ago, I read Sidney Sheldon's Novel, The Windmills Of The Gods.
A Leper In Our Path -- Matthew 8:1-4 -- 2004
Everyone must have been on a spiritual high as they followed Jesus down the path that day.
Jesus Cures Our Spiritual Blindness -- John 9:1-41 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Anne Mansfield Sullivan was a miracle worker who overcame obstacles in seeking to assist others.
Peacemaker People -- Matthew 5:9 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Indexes of books have always fascinated me.
Filling Moses' Shoes -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
What will they do now? Moses has died, and nobody even knows where he has been buried.
Remembering Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Christians share a memory - and a belief - that gives us a place to stand, a way of getting things i
Commencement Address -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Sam "Golden Rule" Jones had "quittin' meetings" for those converted at his revivals.
Doing Well And Doing Good -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
There is a cliche thrown around the business world that states that people should do well by doing g
Someone Is Trying To Get Through -- Acts 10:34-43 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Someone is trying to get through to you.
Vital Vulnerability -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes.
Sharing The Bread -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship: Come, let us break bread together as we worship God.
In The Darkness Of Oppression, There Is The Light Of Salvation -- Luke 2:1-5 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
I was staying at a hotel in a small town, near a large city.
War Against Hate -- 1 John 3:11-24 -- 2004
A short time ago, the evening news on television reported that a man had gone on a shooting binge.
Jesus Breaks Our Chains -- John 11:1-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was chained, held bound in a life of torment and blasphemy.
Respect -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.
A Name Not Taken In Vain -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the middle of March, 1961, a minister named Duffy splashed water on my head in the middle of a Su

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

A Mother's Tears -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gertrude Schmidt loved being a mother.
God Is Faithful To Godself -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1994
His hands were surely trembling as he lifted his hammer to nail his theses to the door of the Castle
A Modern Day Job -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
American culture is a culture of fixing blame -- fixing blame on others.
A New Heart -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1994
It was the religious program she had heard on the radio a few weeks back that sent Shawn Rose on a m
The Lost Is Found -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was the biggest tragedy in Pastor Dave's life.
Ready For Worship -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Ernie, Madge and Todd Applegate always took their place in a front pew just as the bell was ringing.
A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
"I'm telling you it's just not possible that he is the Messiah. If anything he's an imposter.
''Who Can Be Saved?'' -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he...." Many people have learned that song in
When I Saw Your Face -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
The New Year's Eve party at the Campbells' was always a highlight of the year for Tom Stone.
You Are God -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Out On A Limb, Shirley MacLaine's spiritual odyssey, was first published in 1983.
A Promise On The Way To Fulfillment -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1994
It had been the night of his life. He would never forget it as long as he lived.
A Vision For The Future -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
A few years back a west coast bishop returned home from a meeting of his denomination's bishops in K
Let Us Make A Name For Ourselves -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1994
"When you're No. 1 in the world...
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.
A Model For The Good Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1994
We all remember Desert Storm.
''A Great Prophet Has Arisen Among Us'' -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1994
"Shunem: Site of the Prophet Elisha's Resurrection Miracle." If they had had road signs in the days
Choices -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1994
She was elected to high office some time ago. Let's call her Beverly Washington.
Forgiven Much! -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1994
The life of a prostitute is a hateful way of life.
Disarming Evil -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
People Of The Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil is one of Dr. M.
The Collapsing Circle -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1994
Allan Nelson is a consultant to business operations throughout the world.
Great Reversals -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
The theme of poverty, riches, possessions and the realm of God is a constant theme of Luke.
Glenda Finds An Advent Prayer -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse.
He Set His Face -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1994
He had just finished feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children when he asked them the question (
The Laughter Of Faith -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
God called Sarah, too!
A Hostage Repents -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Terry Anderson is probably the best known of the American hostages kept in Lebanon.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Wedding Vow

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Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10-25-37
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
First Sunday In Lent -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ho! -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: "Ho!" God surprises us.
Can Redemption Be Bought? -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:11-17
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10:38-42
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 23:33-43
New Year's Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Supplies -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Isolation Of Struggle -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:36--8:3
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 11:1-13
Easter Day -- Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:1-12 or John 20:1-18
Pentecost Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
God, Who Makes A Way -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Theme: Feed And Flower
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 8:26-39
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:13-21
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 20:19-31
Prayers For Special Occasions -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Youth
Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Covenant Contact -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 9:51-62

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

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church [ELCA], Oakwood, Georgia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the co-author with her husband of three books.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

Special Occasion

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