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Proper 21 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The assigned Lukan text for this week is another uniquely Lukan story which is so very well known.
Proper 22 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
These verses of instruction to the disciples close a discourse of Jesus that began in 15:1.
Proper 23 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's familiar story of the ten lepers begins with a travel marker.
Preaching On Controversial Subjects -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Fred Craddock has written: "We will know power has returned to the pulpit when and where preaching e
The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious authorities -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious author
Proper 26; Pentecost 25 -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The narrative told in Part Two of Mark's Gospel, chapters 11-16, slows down and broadens out.
The Sermon On The Amount: Stewardship From The Pulpit 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
One of the more frightening tasks we preachers have, particularly as we're getting started in our pa
Story Sermons -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
These two science fiction story sermons are intended to
Facing the enemy -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition.
Proper 27; Pentecost 26 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
This week's Gospel text skips only Mark 12:35-37 from the ending of the assigned lesson for the Twen
we pay homage to Christ as our king through his cross -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: At this end of the Church year we pay homage to Christ as our king through his c
Enriching And Polishing The Message -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Sometimes the hardest part of sermon preparation and experiencing the edge which is ours is simply g
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD -- Psalms 96, 97, 98 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The Psalms for all three Christmas services celebrate the
Life through death -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Life through death.
Proper 28; Pentecost 27 -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
In his work on Mark's Gospel, A Master of Surprise, Donald Juel joins an earlier argument made by R.
God has established his covenant with us -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: All three texts center around the idea that God has established his covenant wit
Sermons For Children 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
For whom do we give the children's sermon? What is the message we are attempting to convey?
Free Texts -- Exodus 31:1-11 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The phrase "spiritual gifts" usually suggests qualities or
Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life.
Proper 3; Pentecost 2 -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We may need to refresh our memory by noting that today's gospel text is one of four controversy stor
Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life.
Warming Up The Message And The Messenger -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Homer K.
1 ADVENT -- Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The apocalyptic imagery of such texts contrasts sharply with
The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death.
Proper 4; Pentecost 3 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The series of controversy stories comes to an end with today's text.

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What Changes And What Doesn't? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
(Before speaking, the speaker puts on a pair of "cool shades" [dark sunglasses] and takes them off w
Grace In The Midst Of The Crush Of Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the year 2000 Forbes Magazine featured a special edition on a single topic that it called "the bi
New Wine In New Wineskins -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
We humans are often schizophrenic when it comes to the old and the new.
The Wideness In God's Mercy -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Many fundamentalist Christian groups would have us believe that the Bible has all the answers to the
Waiting For Godot? -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Frederick R. Harm -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
As we embark on another Advent Adventure we pause to remind ourselves that this sacred season holds
The Unanswered Question: Will God Be Fair? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Ancient people were terrorized by the thought of God.
Grace In The Midst Of Judgment -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In his book Making Life Work, Chicago area pastor Bill Hybels cites a study that was published under
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
With A Bang Or A Whimper? -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Back in 1925, T. S.
God Is Good All The Time -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Imagine a person standing in the rain without an umbrella.
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It was quite a picture - on the front of the New York Times Magazine some time ago.
Grace In The Midst Of Suffering -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
For several years an earnest and energetic woman has been attempting to make August 8 a national hol
Seeing Jesus Clearly -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
I'd like to begin with what might seem a rather strange question.
You Can Make It Happen -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Some friends invited Brenda to go rock climbing with them.
Let George Do It -- Romans 12:6-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Many will remember the decade of the '60s in America.
Grace In The Midst Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Over the centuries rank and file church members have grown up in the presence of stained glass saint
We Are Christ's -- That Is Enough -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
In today's Gospel, Mark tells us more about Jesus by showing his power over unclean spirits.
My Life Is In You, Lord -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
When we affirm that our life belongs to God, this affirmation includes every aspect of our lives.
The Lure Of Downward Mobility -- Mark 10:43-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
I first heard him speak some years ago at the Beecher Lectures at Yale Divinity School.
For The Person Who Is Everything -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
One of life's interesting experiences is learning how to respond to gifts.
The Adventure Of Discipleship -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is about Jesus' calling of his first four disciples.
Solid Foundation -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
There was much excitement on the first night of Vacation Bible School as parents eagerly registered
When Giving Gets Personal -- Hebrews 9:11-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
To tell the truth, I had wondered whether the reports I had read were exaggerated.
The Real Thing -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
How do you know something is a genuine article, "The Real Thing"?
Making A Difference -- John 1:43-51 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
How many of you know someone who is partially or completely color blind?

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Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the redeemed of the Lord gather this day for worship!
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who trust in the Lord gather this day for worship!
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Theme: Come to us, O Lord!Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been redeemed by the Lord come now for worship!
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
A Service Of Light -- J.B. Quisenberry -- 1996
Production Notes
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been blessed by the Lord gather now for worship!
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Christmas At Bethlehem And Beyond -- Lynda Pujado -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Word of the Lord shall endure forever! Praise be to the Lord!
Fourth Of July -- Genesis 12:1-8; John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To Worship
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- James R. Wilson -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who have known God's mercy gather now for worship!
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!

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.

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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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