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Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
When Demons Come To Church -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We still have help when evil grips us and demands
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a (C)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 43:16-21 (C, RC, E)
Blessed Are The Mothers-in-Law -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We, too, have been saved that we might also serve
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 (C)
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Preaching On Biblical Personalities -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Rewards
Bringing The Paralyzed To Christ -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
A hole-patched Capernaum roof reminded many who saw
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C)
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Sermons -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Thomas The DoubterIntroductory Note
Galilee's Hillside Sharing -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Jesus had compassion on the many hungry listeners,
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 7:7-17 (C)
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Brainstorms -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Hosea
Sinking Boats And Water Walking -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Don't be afraid, the first thought apparition spoke,
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 8:1-12 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Mercy On The Wrong Day -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
To the bent-over crippled in the spirit on a Sabbath,
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 1:2-10 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 5:27-32 (C)
Sight For The Blind And Persistent -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Blind Bartimaeus was rewarded for faith and persistence,
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 11:1-11 (C)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-16 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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Out Of Conflict -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Today, we are going to talk about conflict. How do you feel about conflict?
Anger -- Ephesians 4:25-32 -- 2004
We may come to church on Mother's Day with certain expectations.
All Things New -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Years ago I worked at a telecatalog center.
History: His Story -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
There have been many who have sought to write a history of the world.
Once To Every Man And Nation -- Esther 4:13-17 -- 2004
Once a churchman wrote a letter to his pastor.
Defeat Transformed Into Victory -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Two men, both seriously ill, shared the same room in a hospital.
After Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Obsolete. Superceded. Null and void.
Surprised By God -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
We live in a culture that is increasingly secular.
It's About Time -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- 2004
One of the gifts my wife Bonnie and I gave each other this Christmas is an antique clock.
No Temple -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
The long-running television medical series, ER, seems on the surface to be just another "real
Supper's Ready! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Let's pretend!
God's 'No' -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- 2004
We modern Christians like to think of ourselves as people who practice a positive religion, one that
The Choice For God Or The World -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory.
Adam's Legacy -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Richard W. Ferris -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye is the Jewish father of five girls living in a Russ
When Jacob Got A Vision -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
The storyteller is talking about great men and women of vision.
First In War, First In Peace -- Psalm 1 -- 2004
Peter Gibbon is an author, lecturer, and much-quoted researcher at Harvard University. Dr.
Season Finale -- Revelation 22:12-17, 20-21 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I understand why people play the lottery.
Do Politics And Religion Mix? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
It was a trap. The Pharisees set it.
How Can I Love My Country? -- Exodus 31:18; 32:1, 7-12, 30-34 -- 2004
How can Christians love their country? How can an American Christian love America?
Jesus, Our Rock Foundation -- John 14:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents bought him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedr
Abraham Believed God -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Abraham believed God.
An Incredible Encounter -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Jacob sends presents to brother Esau in the hope of finding favor with him.
Christ In All Things: The Faith Of Saint Patrick -- Romans 5:1-5 -- 2004
On this Saint Patrick's Day I'd like to begin the sermon with an Irish greeting: "Cead Mile Failta"
What Is Revealed? -- Revelation 5:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In that wonderful old movie, High Noon, Gary Cooper is Will Kane, marshal of a small, roug
How To Love God -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
In the rock opera Jesus Christ: Superstar, Mary Magdalene sings, "I don't know how to love hi

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Generations -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The ringing phone woke us out of a deep sleep. I scrabbled for the receiver.
A Double Recipe -- John 6:51-58 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza picked up the telephone for her study. It was Mr.
Come, Lord Jesus -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Two women lay in their beds on the third floor of a downtown nursing home.
In A Land Of Deep Darkness ... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1992
In almost any other setting Memorial's modern brick building, surrounded by neatly trimmed evergreen
Between A Rock And A Hard Place -- Psalm 40:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1992
There is a high hill which overlooks the little city of Rich-land Center, in south west Wisconsin wh
Cleansed -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Shirley sits bolt upright in her bed and cries out, "Enough, I can't bear it anymore!" The back of h
The Mortician's Tale -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Easter Day - A -- 1992
It was on a warm Saturday afternoon, late in the spring of 1911. I'll never forget the day.
Creation -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1992
The Almighty One was alone.
What Counts In The End? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
There was once a woman who believed very strongly in the sanctity of marriage.
TRANSCENDENT IDENTITY - A GIFT -- 1991
A few years ago a woman in the eastern part of the United States wrote a letter to Jim Ludwig, the m
YOU CANNOT SAY IT WITH FLOWERS -- 1991
All of us purchase, erect, and decorate a Christmas tree.
THE TREASURE OF GREATEST VALUE -- 1991
There is a tingling excitement in stories about buried treasure.
The Story Of The Rescued Baby -- Exodus 1:22-2:10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Miriam. Perhaps you know me.
Advent 1 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
What is at the very center of Christmas?
The Story Of The Stubborn Donkey -- Numbers 22:1-30 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Some people say that animals are dumb. I don't know exactly what "dumb" means.
The Story Of The Little Man Who Climbed A Tree -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Esther, and my husband is the chief tax collector in the city of Jericho.
The Story Of The Man Who Lived Again -- John 11:1-15 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Our home is a simple home, and we are a simple family.
The Greatest Story Ever Told Or Heard -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
The opening verses of the gospel of Matthew, through the 17th verse, provide the passage of Scriptur
THE CHILD POINTS THE WAY -- 1991
When I was a child and continuing through adolescence and young adulthood, I had a recurring nightma
DOUBLE EXPOSURE -- 1991
One of the most lasting images in the New Testament is one from Saint Paul: O death, where is thy vi
ACCESSORIES BEFORE THE FACT -- 1991
On a rainy spring morning a woman who belonged to a church I pastored faced an unfortunate predicame
FINDING HOME ON A FAST TRACK -- 1991
Do you remember your first day of school? It is one of life's great separations.
FLYING INTO YOUR OWN WEAPONS -- 1991
One of the dominant characteristics of our time is preoccupation with speed.
FROM CYNICISM TO OPTIMISM -- 1991
For three years I belonged to a little circle of friends in Boston who took an annual winter pilgrim
AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT -- 1991
One day as I sat transfixed to my television screen, except for occasional junkets to the bathroom,

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Ministry of Encouragement -- Acts 4:32-37 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Join me in this conversation about change: You must stay here.
So, What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Down in the Dumps -- 1 Kings 19:1-8 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Whoa!Call To Worship
In These Days -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: In those days, things were different from these days:
God's Surprising Presence -- Genesis 28:10-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
I Will Pass Over You -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Really Serious Business -- Mark 9:42-47 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Called By A New Name -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: God calls us out of our silence.
Yes and No -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Tongue Of A Teacher -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Coming Forth -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Come forth, O love divine.
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
On Being in Second Place -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Firstborn -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Lost and Found -- Luke 15:1-24 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
You Shall Live -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Alternate), Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Second Sunday In AdventFirst Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11Theme: "Here Is Your God"
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
Christ and Criticism -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Draw Near to God -- James 4:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Dance! -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Covenant And Recompense -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Sent to bring good news to the oppressed,

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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