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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 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 (C)
Reconciled To Self, Others, And God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
First Sunday After Christmas / Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (C)
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:27-34 (C)
The Challenge Of Compassion -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (C, E)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:23-32 (C)
Confidence And Persistence In Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lor
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Habakkak 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (C)
Becoming Rich In The Eyes Of The Lord -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 43:1-7 (C)
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Haggai 1:15b--2:9 (C)
Expect The Unexpected -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Jesus said, "Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the ki
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5 (C, RC, E)
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 65:17-25 (C)
Renewing Our Relationship With Jesus -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
All Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 (C)
The Generosity Of Humility -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
One occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sab
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Consequences Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and d

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Left Behind? -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I want to talk about the confusing, messy, often heartbreaking process we call life.
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.
The Son Also Rises -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
When it comes to the resurrection, one of the things that all of the Gospel writers agree upon is th
Working Together As One -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
Dying To Live -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
In his book The Mustard Seed Conspiracy, Tom Sine shares the story of his parents' friends and their
Can You Hear It? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Charles D. Reeb -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
There is a monastery in Europe which was built in a most difficult location.
God's Peace Is On Patrol -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
On the Sunday afternoon following Thanksgiving, when I was in seventh grade, it began to snow.
Jesus' Lesson On Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Jesus was praying. His followers sat near and watched.
Rowers And Rockers -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
One of the most difficult jobs in any church is the staff person, usually a secretary, who is assign
The Life You've Always Wanted -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
The other day I came across some interesting epitaphs.
The Divine Opportunity -- Luke 3:7-18 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Opportunity comes with so many different faces that we often don't recognize it.
Revised And Amended By The Author Of Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
The celebrated theologian and novelist Frederick Buechner once remarked that preaching is like doing
A Dirty Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Steven E. Albertin -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Under every Christmas tree in the midst of the brightly wrapped packages, the choo-choo train windin
Conversion To Christ -- Steven E. Albertin, Charles D. Reeb, Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2003
Contemporary life provides almost endless opportunities and possibilities that allow us to maximize
The Ultimate Sacrifice -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Back during the first week of November, when the stores were busy trying to persuade us suddenly to
It's God's Grace, Not American Ingenuity -- Luke 12:13-21 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Imagine an enormous open field in the midst of rolling hills.
Too Peeved To Pray -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Paul did not pray! I know that it is difficult to believe, but Paul did not pray.
A Vexing Vision -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Charles D. Reeb -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Have you have heard the expression, "Something got lost in the translation?" On the Internet there a
Songs Of The Season -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
No season of the year sings as well as Christmas.
A Labor Not In Vain -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
According to the book of Acts, when Saul set out toward Damascus with his satchel of arrest warrants
The Making Of A Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
How many times have your heard people say at this time of the year, "Christmas is about family.
Never Limit Others, Ourselves, Or God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Once upon a time a badly deformed little girl was born to a very wealthy family.
Enlightened Eyes -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
It is a matter of perspective. It is a matter of how we choose to look at things.
The Transforming Power Of A Changed Perspective -- Luke 12:32-40 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
As we wander through the middle of this twelfth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we notice that Jesus

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Growing Pains -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Growing pains is a term that refers to pains in the limbs or joints during childhood and youth.
Limelight -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, isolated calcium oxide in 1808.
Parable -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Truth embodied in a tale shall enter in at lowly doors," wrote Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Stars -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In a small monastery there was a little monk who was extremely shy.
Grudge -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Anemia was the girl's problem.
Lost -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I come here to find myself.
Stone Soup -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Do you know how to make stone soup?
Thanksgiving Letters -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
During the Depression of the 1930's, Dr. William L.
Hard-Boiled -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the early days of the American frontier, women used lye soap and often washed their family's clot
Luck -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Many years ago, begins an old Chinese story, there was a man who had a horse and one son.
The Existence of God -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Robinson Crusoe is an imaginary story about a sailor, who was marooned on a desert island.
Healthy Religion -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"It is worth-while to look at the types of character that Jesus admires.
Mansion -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In A.D.
Through -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Keep my lad safe, O Lord. Hide him under Thy wings.
Hero -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Robert Redford's movie about baseball, "The Natural," confirms the words of educator Jacques Barzun:
Affirm -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Jesus once told a story about a woman who kept nagging a greedy and unjust judge until his resistanc
Means and Ends -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
America's crucial problem is too many Americans are rich in things and poor in soul.
Tired -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the entrance hall of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a remarkable statue of Jesus of Nazar
Heroes -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Researchers for the World Almanac and Book of Facts asked 2,000 American eighth-grade students to na
Bridge Builders -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In A.D. 1191, Pope Clement III approved a new guild.
Medicine -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Many believers think that to have recourse to science in treating illness is to reject faith," wrot
Tomato -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Before 1830, tomatoes were known as love apples.
Holy Week -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Holy Week is the last week of Lent, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Saturday.
Cabbage Patch Kids -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Cabbage Patch Kids are dolls invented by Xavier Roberts.
Meek -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When the Great Fire of London destroyed the original St.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

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Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Touchable -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Practice Random Acts of Kindness -- Ephesians 4:25-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
No God Like God -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Covenant -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1999
Call To Worship
Afraid and Overwhelmed -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Song of Solomon 2:8-13Theme: Spring FeverCall To Worship
God Raised Him -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: God is in charge. God raised Jesus. This is Easter.
Roads to Happiness -- John 14:1-6 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
All God's Children -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Partners -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Partners in concern,People: Partners in planning,
Standing on the Promises -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Storm Shelter -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Call Her Happy -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
So, Anyway -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Turning Inkblots into Angels -- Romans 8:28-39 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Releasing Joy -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us rejoice in this day that God has made.
Speaking Up -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
By The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Healing Power of Love -- John 15:12-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
God Who Gave -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: It is Christmas.People: The Holy Child has come.
Counting On God -- Job 1:1, 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Tell Me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Staying Alive as Long as You Live -- Romans 12:3-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Where On Earth Are You? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Where are you when we need you, God?

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
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

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

Invitation to Confession:

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

Lord, have mercy.

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

Christ, have mercy.

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

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

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


What's Up on Christmas Eve

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


* * * * * * * *


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

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

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CSSPlus

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

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

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

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