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SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Healing A Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in th
Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Blind Beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
They came to Jericho.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
Stilling A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leavi
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 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Healing An Issue Of Blood -- Healing The Ruler's Daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and h
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 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 10 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 13 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26„12:13a (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Maximizing Your Potential -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time two beautiful flowers lived side-by-side in a magnificent garden.
Jesus' Most Perplexing Parable -- Luke 16:1-13 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest empl
"What If?" Or "Why Not?" -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Worry changes nothing but the worrier and most always in a negative way!
Bearing The Scars -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I remember taking my first real high school date to see the movie Jaws -- that summer blockbuster fr
Season Of Beginnings -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Tangerine peelings and coffee grounds, Peanut shells and faded daffodils,
"Lead Us Not Into Temptation" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
A mother was teaching her three--year--old daughter the Lord's Prayer.
A Holy God And A Holy People -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Perhaps some of you saw the pictures in the newspaper or on television when officials in New York Ci
Dog Song -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
What is it about the inner song that sings us? Is it a connecting with the singing of angels?
Answering The Call Of The Lord -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
He was born to a pious German woman and her Lutheran pastor husband in 1875.
That Rich Man Made His Own Hell -- Luke 16:19-31 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describin
The Glory That Shines Within -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Several years ago, in an attempt to provide some shade for the house, my wife and I planted two tree
The Gotcha God -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
There is the embarrassment of getting publicly caught.
In Tandem -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two?
"Deliver Us From Evil" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
Probably most of us are familiar with James Dickey's brilliant but disturbing novel, Deliverance
No Middle Ground -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly.
Planted Paws -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Leader Dog Treasure, Dee's second dog guide, developed a unique method of winter guiding when the te
Be Thankful For What You Have -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a fisherman who lived with his wife in a tiny hut by the sea.
Monitor What's Growing Within -- Luke 17:5-10 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
As the seventeenth chapter of Luke opens, Jesus turns his attention away from his enemies, the scrib
The Soul Afraid Of Dying -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Fred Craddock tells a story set in the rural South during the Depression.
Believing And Belonging -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Jesus is taking a walk today. It is winter, December, a little chilly.
Free To Choose -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
Foreword
"For Thine Is The Kingdom And The Power And The Glory, Forever" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
On a recent tour of Austria and beyond, one day our itinerary was titled "Two Churches and a Castle.
Forgiving And Not Forgetting -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Someone has wronged you, betrayed you, stabbed you in the back.
Vocabulary Building -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Just like that, everything changes.
Salvation -- It's Up To Us -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Reckon -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Man of La Mancha" is the musical adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote, written bet
Excess Baggage -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the last century, a tourist from America paid a visit to a famous Polish rabbi named Hofetz Chaim
Repent -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A member of the Episcopal Church approached her priest and said, "Father, my dog died this morning a
Expectations -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A farmer was walking through his fields one day when he tripped over a one-gallon glass jug in his p
Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1908, near La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France, a human body was discovered in a cave.
Failure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Mrs.
Seeds -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A group of ministers and a salesmen's organization were holding conventions in the same hotel.
Fear -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"As night goes round the earth there are hundreds of thousands who should be sleeping, lying awake f
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. -- Luke 8:8 -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There is an old "preacher story" about the traveling evangelist who had a flair for the dramatic.
A THEOLOGY OF A STORM -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There was an elderly lady in the little hamlet where I grew up who lived just across the back yard f
IN QUEST OF A TREASURE -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon's obsession with discovering the fountain of eternal youth led hi
IN PRAISE OF DOERS -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
Following morning worship one Sunday, some good lady, whose name I do not know, handed me a newspape
Loving -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
PARABLE OF THE THREE CANDLES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Three children carried their candles home from church.
PARABLE OF THE ELEVATOR AND THE STAIRWAY -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"I don't mind going to work," said Jane, "but climbing those five flights of stairs to the office ge
PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
PARABLE OF THE INDIAN CHIEFS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Said the great red one, "I am a mighty chief, and I want my son to follow in my footsteps and rule a
PARABLE OF STRINGED MUSIC AND SOUL WHISPERS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
There is a sense of finenessIn music of the strings
PARABLE OF TWO CAKES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The first homemaker placed her cake in the oven and went about her duties.
PARABLE OF GRANTING YOUR WISHES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The old philosopher in a homespun setting was talking to his three nephews.
PARABLE OF THE ROAD SIGNS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
They were heading down the highway of life and the story of where they were going was written on the
PARABLE OF THE CORRECTION FLUID -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What is the little blue bottle? Ink?" the lady asked the secretary.
PARABLE OF THE HAND -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What did you do?" inquired the boss of his secretary, who was grimacing with pain.
EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Prayer 1 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Sustainer:
Parable of the Soils -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of God
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19Theme: Arks Of Faith
Visit of the Magi to Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 (3:13-17) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship
Prayer 34 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Almighty And All-Loving One:
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-10Theme: Set Aside SighingCall To Worship
Prayer 2 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wise And Purposeful One:
Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-9Theme: Go, Come, Be A BlessingCall To Worship
The Lamb of God and the Calling of Several Disciples -- John 1:29-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28Theme: ApprenticeCall To Worship
Prayer 35 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Infinitely Patient One:
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16Theme: A SignCall To Worship
Prayer 3 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Mysterious Presence:
Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Yeast, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, the Fishing Net -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 18:1-15Theme: HospitableCall To Worship
Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls Some Disciples -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
Prayer 36 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Communicator:
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Salvation. Amen.Call To Worship
Prayer 4 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Caring God:
Feeding the Five Thousand -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 21:8-21Theme: Even If ... God Is Present
The Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration

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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