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SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2001
In both Mesopotamia and Egypt, but also in Israel, Wisdom teaching and theology held a respected pos
Proper 18, Pentecost 16, Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
We continue in our text this morning with the events surrounding Peter's healing of the lame man at
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2001
In chapters 1--9 of the Book of Proverbs, the figure of Wisdom is personified as a woman.
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
Luke, the author of Acts, intends his story in the Acts of the Apostles to show how the gospel rapid
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2001
We live in a society in which the role of women has become very ambiguous.
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
This text forms the tag-end of Acts 10:34-43 which is the stated Old Testament lesson for Easter Sun
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2001
As referred to in 9:20--22 in our text, Esther is a book that celebrates Jewish deliverance from per
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2001
The first strophe or stanza of this passage actually ends with verse 7, but the lectionary has ended
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2001
God trusts Job.
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2001
In the days of Eli and Samuel, before the beginning of the kingship of Saul, and from about 1220 --1
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2001
The story of Job is presented to us primarily through a series of dialogues that Job carries on with
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2001
In preaching on this text from Jonah, we must never forget that it is set within a narrative context
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2001
Our sometimes sentimental, always lenient religious faith bumps up against this text for the morning
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2001
We do not usually think of Moses as a prophet.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Isaiah, Advent, And Human Hopefulness -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
In Jill St.
Because -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A group of kindergarten children visited the local police station and were given a tour by one of th
Message From Medjugorje -- John 15:12-17 -- 2004
A number of years ago, a certain young man was going from church to church telling about an experien
The Garden Is Doing Fine? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Remember the nursery rhyme about little contrary Mary?
In The Darkness Of Uncertainty,There Is The Light Of Wonder -- Luke 2:17-20 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
William Sloane Coffin, Jr., was, for several years, the pastor at Riverside Church in New York City.
A Voice From Beyond -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
Down through the centuries, philosophers and theologians have come up with a number of classical "pr
Grace Has Appeared -- Titus 2:11-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
A little baby was born nearly 2,000 years ago under very unimpressive circumstances.
The Healing Power Of Doing Good -- Isaiah 58:3-9a (9b-12) -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
When pastors retire they have a chance to check out some of the Sunday morning religious television
World Communion Sunday -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
(Place a variety of breads, representing different parts of the world, on the altar.
Bragging Rights -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
A mouse was once riding on the back of an elephant, and the pair went across a rickety bridge.
Truthfulness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Eighth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
Neighborliness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Ninth Commandment: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
First Comes An Everyday Hope -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Today's great spiritual priority may be for a grounded everyday hope.
Sheep That Count -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time there was a lamb named Edgar.
Overcoming Evil -- Romans 12:17-21 -- 2004
Evil is a reality. We have to cope with it. The Bible tells us what to do about evil.
Two Harvests -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
All of the Bible is inspired.
In The Darkness Of Anxiety, There Is The Light Of Peace -- Luke 2:12-17 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
On a recent Sunday night, my wife and I went to a nearby church for their "Bethlehem Walk." Each yea
The Problem With Promises -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
The problem with promises is that you have to trust them.
Swept Away! -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It's the same year after year.
What God Will Not Do For Us -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The book of Deuteronomy revises the traditions of God's people after they left the desert and settle
Advent And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
No Idea -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." We have no idea what in the world th
Kingdom People -- Matthew 5:3 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Years ago when Richard Shepard, pastor of St.
The Interruption Of Advent Somberness -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
On many Advent altars Christians often place a wreath holding four candles.
The Church That Jesus Built -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In the Old Testament, kings believed that God gave them direction in their dreams.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Greater Honor -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1994
It was to be "Spiritual Gift" Sunday in Corinth of old.
The Greatest Of These -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1994
In the midwest the summer of 1993 was the summer of the "great flood." The rains, it seemed, would n
How The Mighty Have Fallen! -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1994
"How the mighty have fallen." King David of old once spoke those words concerning the death of King
With Fire In His Eyes -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1994
There was fire in his eyes as Dr. Yacob spoke. Dr.
Exchanging A Smile -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1994
He smiled when we would have expected him to cry. He smiled when we expected him to hate.
Still Standing -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"What I need," said the man who'd come to my door, "is for a pastor to offer a prayer and then do no
For Pete's Sake -- John 6:56-69 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
"My name is Peter and I'm an alcoholic." That's how you always
Board Action -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Charlie Redgate shook his head and said, "Your mistake was asking in the first place."
The Voice Of The Turtledove -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
Mark came home from work that day and didn't bother to kiss
Coloring A Faint Spirit Red -- Isaiah 61:3 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Strain and the absence of hope walled any smile from Karen
Resurrection -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Up until this incident, Lucille Brennan would have said that the day she was approved to be a foster
At The Gate -- Proverbs 22:8-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
When Carla learned about the forest fires in Montana later
The Decision -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The decision was a difficult one to make. Joe and Marilyn had
Pioneers -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Susie and I had both grown up in cities, so our move to Thornberry, a township 30 miles from the nea
The Rumors Of Green Valley -- James 3:1-12 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
Green Valley Church had served the rural area of Claiborne County for more than 100 years.
The Lady In Blue -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
She had been a charter member of Trinity Church when it was
Neighbors -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Like many small rural townships, Thornberry had some problems because it had no zoning laws.
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''I guess I wanted to be a preacher from the time I was a little kid.'' It was the newly-ordained Ca
But This Is Kids' Stuff! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
Pastor Evans gave a slight smile as she met Roy, who would be
The Weaver -- John 18:33-37 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
It had started as one play, produced by the high school
Freed by the Word -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I was afraid," the old man said.
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night.
The Power Of The Resurrection Over Death -- John 20:1-18 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
Todd was two months into pastoring his first church. He'd
Compensation -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"That's my medicine," Louie said.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Easter 6 -- John 14:23-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 14:23-29
Bulletins For The Examination Service And The Love Feast (Agape Meal) -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The texts for two bulletins are provided.
Divine Retaliation -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: To you who trample on the world's lesser children,
Futility? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Trinity Sunday -- John 16:12-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 16:12-15
Let It Go! -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Advent-ure Of Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Theme: The Advent-ure Of Peace Call To Worship
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 15:1-10
Easter 7 -- John 17:20-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 17:20-26
A Simple Service For The Lord's Supper -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
A: The Examination Service Call To Worship
My People -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Take Courage And Work -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Take courage and work.
Christmas Eve/Day -- Luke 2:1-10, John 1:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 2:1-10 or John 1:1-14
The Word Jesus Spoke -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a Theme: The Advent-ure Of Joy
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:1-13
Easter -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
EasterThe Season Of The ResurrectionLiturgical Color: White
Additional Hymn Suggestions -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service:"We Gather Together"
Bent On Healing -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 28 | OT 33 -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: A Joy And A Delight
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 2:41-52
All-Surrounding Grace -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to WorshipProcessional Hymn
Forever And Ever -- Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23, Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Theme: Forever And Ever Call To Worship
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:19-31
First Place In Everything -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: First Place In Everything

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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