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SermonStudio

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.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Jesus Searches For Us -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (C, E)
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Rightful Stewardship Of God's Gifts -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and the charges were brou
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 55:10-13 (C)
Complacency Leads To Death -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Theme
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Service Is Our Reward -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
The apostles said to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a
Trinity Sunday -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Perseverance In Prayer -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Then Jesus told them a parable about the need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 14:18-20
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
God Justifies The Humble -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Responding To God's Love -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's home and took his
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 55:1-9 (C)
New Life For A Dead Friend -- Isaiah 25:6-9, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The stench of death surrounded Christ's sorrow, crying
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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SermonStudio

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.
How Does It Work? -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is a very nice book for children that is titled, The Way Things Work.
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
Our Two Flags -- Romans 13:1-7 -- 2004
O! say, can you see by the dawn's early light,
A Severe Mercy! -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
French author Victor Hugo has a short story titled, "93." In the midst of this tale a ship at sea is
Go To Heaven? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Judgment day was the preacher's theme, and he thundered about God's wrath, sin and the day of judgme
Vision From Patmos -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
A cowboy was crossing the desert when his horse bit the dust.
A Worldly Salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
In the early 1960s, John A. T.
Still Under Construction -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
People print all sorts of things on T-shirts, from advertisements to obscenities to affirmations of
Oskar's Cruelty -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Schindler's List is a true story of World War II.
Is Work A Four Letter Word? -- Psalm 104 -- 2004
He was the owner and manager of a downtown store in Utica, New York. I'll call him Fred.
As Long As It Is Day! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
The greatest sorrow is to have no cause, no work, no sacrifice for which to live.
Jesus Transforms The Darkness Into Light -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Pastor David Johnson was all ready, he thought, for his Easter sermon.
Living Creatures -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Dakota tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is t
I'll Be Home For Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
In 1943, during World War II, a new song appeared, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The lyrics and the
The Reward -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
The Rock opera, Jesus Christ, Superstar, pictures Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking G
Dark Ugly Clouds -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Bill Mosley -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Things are hardly ever the way they appear and certainly not on Calvary's hill.
Memorial Daze -- Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 -- 2004
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,
A Guide To Christmas -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
If you talk about the blind and guides you are talking about seeing--eye dogs.
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- John 20:19-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his sixty--fifth birthday, in the presence of a f
Paradise Restored -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In the last book of the Bible, John the elder has a great vision of the earth ending in subjection t
The Truth Of Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John T. Ball -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
The early Christians were good at using the Hebrew Scriptures when confessing the meaning of Jesus a
Dealing With Criticism -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
No one likes criticism. We all like to be liked.
Experiencing The Reality Of God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world
Called, Commissioned, And Comforted: A Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Isaiah 49:1-9 -- 2004
Recently, Rosa Parks was again in the news.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Death Row -- John 3:1-17 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
"I'm afraid to die," Tony said.
The Messenger -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
They were proud of their church. "Proud as punch!" they always
Finders Keepers -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
Neil loved his bicycle. It was a three-speed and quite
Here Comes The Bride -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
David adjusted his cuff links and straightened his tie. He
Hearing The Promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Rhea Lawson was 49 when it happened. Her last child would
This Doesn't Make Sense -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
John heard it. Tim did, too. So did Grace and Sarah. But none
The Weight Of The Cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The restoration of First Community Church had been completed.
A Fair Hearing -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
From the look on Delores' face as she strode up our walk, I knew that, once again, my sermon hadn't
The Gifts Are Unrelated -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
Lydia loved to give things away -- crafts, baked goods, items
Into Every Life -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Frank put me in a bind.
The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
The Organ -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
A church crisis can be precipitated by seemingly innocent events.
Letting Her Alone -- Mark 14:1Ä15:47 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
"Well, isn't that something!" the pastor said to his very
Night Trek -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Methodist pastors change pulpits at the will of the bishop, so when the call came from my district s
With Sighs Too Deep -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
Over at last. That's the only thought she could think about just now. Over at last.
Endwork -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"Good grief!" Susie said. "It's Alfred Plunket!"
Music Box Dancer -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
David stared at the music box nostalgically as his sister held it out to him.
Jesus Loves Problem Kids -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
His name was Freddie and he was as cute as little boys come.
The Wall -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Warren Jones had just retired from a long successful career in
Sand -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
The smells of the beach reminded Molly of being a kid. When
Spring Story -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
She was dying of pancreatic cancer.
Commercial Break -- John 6:24-35 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Like the product it advertised, the commercial seemed to keep
The Other Roads -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
In the course of my ministry I occasionally came upon people who had gone rather suddenly from being
Before The Sun Sets -- Ephesians 4:25Ä5:2 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
The supper table hadn't yet been cleared. Coffee cups were
Strangers -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
When Betty appeared at my door she looked positively ill.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Left Out? -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 13:31-35
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
We come to your house this day, our Father, to open our hearts to you, to thank you for your loving-
Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Wisdom calls out to all who yearn to gain understanding.
By The Other Water Gate -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 13:1-9
Project Accomplished -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Finally, finally, all the plans have come together.
With You In Mind -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From where does our confidence arise?
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
A Little Robe -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Holy Risking -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent 5 -- John 12:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: John 12:1-8
A Stronger Hand -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lead On -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lent -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
LentThe Season Of RenewalLiturgical Color: Purple
Advent 1 -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 21:25-36
Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak -- James 1:19-25, James 3:1-12 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
I Will Be Your God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Name Change -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Here's Jesus! -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Incredible Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
At The Root -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
You Shall ... -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A Light Shines in the Darkness -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Ministry of Encouragement -- Acts 4:32-37 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and 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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