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SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Small Beginnings Which Produce Large Results -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
There is a small Franconian village in the rolling hills of Bavaria, Germany, which never ceases to
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In this season of Lent, we are Sunday by Sunday approaching the foot of that executioner's cross on
Christ The King Sunday -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Grace Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
So this fellow up in Sonoma County, not far from wine-growing Napa County, anxiously watched the wea
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In today's Gospel lesson from John 3:14--21, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpen
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Some Tenants Are Better Than Other Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Some tenants are a lot better than other tenants.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
Few accounts are more instructive of the ways of God with his people Israel and with us than is the
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Joy, Grace, And Living Together -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Chirpy was a parakeet.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2001
The scene in our text takes place shortly before Israel's redemption from her slavery in Egypt.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
In Celebration Of The One-Talent Person -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Some parables of Jesus are really upsetting. This is one of those.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.
Trinity Sunday -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Safer Roads And Real Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
Maybe the priest and the Levite were the smartest after all.
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2001
As is well known, the text forms the third of the four Servant Songs that are found in the prophecie
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-9, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit
Writing The Law On Our Hearts -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
In his wonderful book, Open Secrets, Richard Lischer tells of a retired Lutheran pastor who c
Family Tree -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Bill Mosley, Bill Mosley -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The fence between Heaven and Hell was falling apart. It was badly in need of repair.
Children And The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Communion And Children
Thank God For The Church -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Try to visualize yourself on the way to church. Not too difficult? Let's make it a little harder.
Help Wanted: Fathers -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, Ephesians 6:1-4 -- 2004
A few years ago Mass Mutual Life Insurance conducted a survey on Americans' views of their fathers.
The Cry For Help -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In the Gospel of Mark, the woman in our story is called a "Syrophoenician." Matthew, however, calls
Faith's Curious Dynamic -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"?
Passing And Failing -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
School might be tolerable if we could do away with tests.
Honest Abe -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
There's an oft--told story about someone going to church to hear the new young preacher give his fir
Sacrament Poems -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
The Gift Of BaptismAt baptism I was given a gift,
Removing Obstacles -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Our church has an important mission.
What's So Grand About Grandparents? -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- 2004
The title of this sermon is: "What's So Grand About Grandparents?" Many of you already knew that tod
The Incomparable Christ -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
While sightseeing in Boston last fall, I entered the narthex of a church building.
Completing The Master's Work -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
Getting More Of God Than We Really Want -- Exodus 24:15-18 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
There is an old story about a Sunday school teacher who asked a young girl in her class why her litt
Pass The Pigweed -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
They tell a story about a hurricane blowing through Galveston, LaMarque, and Texas City heading stra
The Letter To Ephesus -- Revelation 2:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In the season of Lent we prepare for Easter.
Different -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The Christian faith is supposed to make a difference in our lives.
We Need A Good Priest -- Always -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- 2004
The purpose of this sermon is first to present Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest, as described i
Do You Get It? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
"Is that really necessary?" It's a question that we may ask when something unpleasant or disturbing
God's Delight -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Once upon a time a student approached his teacher and announced that he was ready to assume the offi
The Witness Of Being -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
Things are. The world is. The universe, whatever that is, is. I am. You are.
The Seeing Eye -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
An airplane flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles had a 45-minute delay and everybody on board wa

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Neighbor To The Man -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Minneapolis is a cool city to live in. In more than one sense is it cool.
Connecting -- 1 Samuel 3:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
It's not the connections you have, Kara thought, but the
Father And Son -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
The little group of doctors and interns burst out laughing at
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Weeds Among The Wheat
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The spirit of the 1980's had penetrated far deeper into the life style of Americans than even most e
Eden -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The small country of Gardenia had been a democracy for more
Answering The Call -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
It was in the days of sail, long before electricity, when oil
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 18:23-35The Unforgiving Servant
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''I suppose you're aware of the fact that Uncle Henry's annual bash is coming up soon,'' Chad said t
Believing Is Seeing -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
"Oh great!" Al was not excited about being at this workshop on team-
Getting Up The Courage -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Julie hadn't been able to think of anything for a month but a
The Contractor"s Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 20:1-16The Laborers In The Vineyard
Which Ones Were Lost? -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The first time I set eyes on that grand old church building was in the cool of a January evening.
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
What's Appropriate? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mary and Jack had really begun to feel at home in their new
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Passage: Luke 7:36-50A Sinful Woman Forgiven
Touching Cloaks -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Beth found herself humming. It was always like this for her as
Casting Out A Demon -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
The name "Gabby" does not invoke terror. Maybe sheer gabbiness
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 12:13-21The Rich Fool
Hometown Prophets Don't Get No Respect -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
Caroline grew up in Phillipsville and spent all her life there
Time To See The Moon -- Mark 1:40-45 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Her life was a suffocating mess, totally out of control.
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 14:16-24The Great Dinner
Calling For You And For Me -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza smiled as she hung up the phone. The principal's
Remember Not The Former Things ... -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
The old man sat down, picked up his pen and tried to write.
Life In The Light Of Eternity -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Did You Know? -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Did you knowDust creates the snow?Common, useless, nuisance dust
Paradox -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 23:33-43Theme: ParadoxCall To Worship
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:1-8
Epiphany 4 -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:21-30
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Second Reading) -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Before Faith Comes
Fully Alive -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 5:1-11
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Gospel Reading) -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Tell All
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Epiphany 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:17-26
A Double Share -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)Theme: Straight-Away Call To Worship
Epiphany 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:27-38
Epiphany 8 -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:39-49
It's Up To You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: It is up to usPeople: To take the first step.
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
Epiphany -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Green(January 6 to the Beginning of Lent)
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From the least to the greatest among us, all will know God.
No Distinction -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/Black; White in some culturesGospel: John 18:1--19:42
Cornucopia -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us give thanks to God.
Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 1 -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 4:1-13
Mask -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 16:16-34 Theme: Do Not Harm Yourself Call To Worship

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!

Special Occasion

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