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SermonStudio

Capernaum's Favorite Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The loving concern of a Gentile centurion's ill servant,
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
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 5:1-7 (C)
A Congregational President And His Sick Daughter -- Matthew 9:18-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Death flutes wailed a morbid tune for Jairus' daughter;
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 9:36-43 (C)
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10 (C)
Compassion At Nain's East Gate -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
At Nain's east gate a widow grieves her only son;
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 11:1-18 (C)
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 2:4-13 (C)
A Boat For Rough Seas -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
When rough seas and wild storms rage about us,
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 16:9-15 (C)
First Sunday In Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 33:14-16 (C, RC)
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 18:1-11 (C)
One Out Of Ten Isn't All That Bad -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The fulfilled life of discipleship is constant gratitude,
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Second Sunday In Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Malachi 3:1-4 (C)
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 (C)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 (C)
Navigating Home To Jesus -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Theme
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 21 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 (C)
Leading By Example -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person?
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Lamentations 1:1-6 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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
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.
Access Denied -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
We live in a world of secret passages.
In The Event Of Power Failure -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
A friend of mine once shared a story about his first visit to Niagara Falls.
Living A Transformed Life -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Reformation Sunday provides the opportunity to recall the great events of the sixteenth century that
Changed And Charged -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Fred Craddock tells the story of a young lady standing before a mirror and she doesn't like what she
God Communicates In Humanly Understandable Terms -- Luke 2:41-52 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
One Christmas morning, a young widow was doing her best to make Christmas happy for her two little b
Music From Another Room -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- 2003
Introduction
Come Clean -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is an old story about a mother of eight who walked into her house after visiting with a neighb
Thanks Be To God -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a woodcutter who spent the majority of every day in the woods.
The Invitation -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I don't know about you, but I love receiving invitations.
Life As Prelude -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
John Claypool reminds us that the ancient art of map-making or cartography dates back over 4,500 yea
Christmas And The New Family -- John 1:1-18 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
When Wilbur and Orville Wright completed their historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on Dec
Losing That Loving Feeling -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
The thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians is not only the most memorable passage that the Apostle
Who's Afraid Of The Holy Ghost? -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Ellen Ann is a pretty little six-year-old who has grown up in a lovely home that is next door to a t
Don't Forget Your Nametag! -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Steven E. Albertin -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
I'm glad to see that so many of you are wearing your nametags this morning.
The Signs Of Summer -- Luke 21:25-36 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- 2003
The season of Advent is upon us, and with it is a spirit of heaviness.
Going To The Mountaintop -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Have you ever been to the mountains?
A Happy Ending -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
A. A.
Praying For People -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Ulysses S.
Just You Wait! -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Robert S. Crilley -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Some of you may be excited to learn that this morning's scripture lesson contains a benediction.
Sharing What We Have Been Shown -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
This passage is not exactly gossip, although it comes pretty close.
A Show Of Hands -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
How does one describe love for another person?
God Has The Last Word! -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
It is amazing how sounds will stir the mind and heart.
The Hinge Of History -- Luke 3:1-6 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Henry Ford said that history is bunk; but history has gotten its revenge on the pioneer auto maker.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Death of a Blacksnake -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS DRIVING along a rural road recently when the car in front of me swerved off the shoulder and c
THE STRANGER -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
IT WAS a warm summer evening in the mid-fifties.
Obscenity Is ... -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
WHAT IS OBSCENITY?
SEX IS NOT A FOUR-LETTER WORD -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS WALKING down the street one day when I bumped into a minister-friend whose attention had been
INTERVIEW WITH A BAPTOMETHOCATH -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
(A reporter is at a convention of "one-way" religionists called Baptomethocaths.
THE FALL OF A SPARROW -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, a small sparrow soared from the top of a telephone pole and glided across the roa
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
THERE ARE THOSE who would say that the 1930s and 1940s were not good years in which to live, much le
A MILLION-DOLLAR STATUS SYMBOL -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
IT SITS THERE like a sleeping giant; a multi-million dollar structure of brick, steel, and glass, co
THE CLERK WHO ROARED -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS STANDING in a department store checkout line recently where I witnessed an amazing transformat
THE LONELY WOMAN -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
SHE SAT on the long porch of the nursing home, her small, thin body buried under heavy woolen garmen
Gamble -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
At a funeral of an Atlantic City gambler, the pastor asserted, "Spike is not dead; he only sleeps."
Shadow -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the lands of the East, a person's shadow has greater significance than in our scientifically orie
God's Quality -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Aurelius Augustinus was converted to Christianity in A.D.
Shalom -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Shalom is a beautiful and melodic Hebrew word which comes from the root "slm" signifying wholeness,
Adam -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Adam and Eve had an ideal marriage.
Letting Go (II) -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A man was making a trip on the rapids of the Colorado River, where the water rushes quickly over the
Good -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"In the beginning of time God created everything, step by step.
Star Trek -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" is the third motion picture to grow out of the television seri
Ecumenical -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1892 Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a British medical missionary, was sent to Labrador, a large peninsula
Liberator -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the early days of Israel's history, a divine messenger visited the wife of a man named Manoah.
Goodness and Mercy -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years." Those wor
Stars and Sorrows -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"The Lord ... heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Kingdom of God -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Leslie Weatherhead, the late English pastor, lived in India as a young man, he had a sturdy gar
Life after Death -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Life after death is a matter I think about at the beginning of November, because on, November 1, the
Limelight -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, isolated calcium oxide in 1808.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:
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
Cedar Or Goat's Hair -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
When You Feel Inadequate -- John 6:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Three Crosses of Calvary -- Luke 23:32-43 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Angels Inspire Our Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsWorship Leader
Planting People -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Wiping Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Spiritual Cataracts -- Matthew 6:19-24 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
We Too Can Be Resurrected! -- John 20:11-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Angels In The Outfield -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsAngels In The Outfield Worship Leader
Contradiction -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Restore The Kingdom? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
When You Need a Life-Changing Moment -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On Hoisting a Sail -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
A Christmas Worship Service -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Worship Service
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a Theme: Confront Call To Worship
Sound The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Handling Life's Detours -- Acts 16:6-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
One Nation Under God -- Mark 12:13-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Instead Of You -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Good For You -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Creation is light.
The Prayer That Can Change Your Life -- Philippians 4:10-23 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Grace of Gratitude -- Luke 17:11-19 -- 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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