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SermonStudio

Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
Junk In Our Souls -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his refreshing book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, states this: "The first step in
Doing Good To The Souls Of People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Alexander Whyte once reported a woman's comment to her minister, "Sir, your preaching does my soul g
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Passionless People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Ken Jones, in his book The Climb of Your Life, said, "Our temporal, 'throwaway' society has s
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Value Of Trust -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The tank of trust is ebbing low. It is not a high commodity in our world.
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Love That Just Won't Quit -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
This parable strikes a sound like fingernails on a blackboard right in the core of my being.
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
"In our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?" (v. 5d).
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ
Dog-Licked Sores And Linen Underwear -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2001
I wonder if there has ever been a study of how the kind of underwear we wear affects our behavior.
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Language tools in reference to our understanding of the nature of God -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. The mystery of God as the Divine Spirit
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2001
Every pupil in Sunday school knows - or used to know - this story of David and Goliath.
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
To understand this rich passage, the preacher must first understand its setting.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Going Home Justified -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2001
In the beautiful, romantic, walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany, there is a strange m

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Golden Calf -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Have you ever waited for someone or something until you just didn't think you could wait anymore?
Say What? -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Richard C. Brand -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Say what?
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
Chimps, Mount Saint Helens, And The Holy Gust -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
They didn't get a TV Guide so they planned their television viewing by the commercial preview
Dancing The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
God, Or The World? -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was a man of mystery and charm; he was a man of brokenness and faith.
Righteous People -- Matthew 5:6) -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Starvation was a real possibility in the locale and time of Jesus.
At War With Myself -- Romans 7:15-25a -- William G. Carter -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession.
A Question Of Right And Wrong -- Deuteronomy 5:1-22 -- 2004
Is there any such thing as right and wrong? Is there any such thing as truth?
Irrevocable Gifts -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
People have had a wide variety of reactions to the idea of politically-correct language.
Seeing Just Enough Of God -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Life never stands still.
The Eyes Of Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
John Edward believes that people don't just die, but that they "cross over."
Once More With Feeling! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- George L. Murphy -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It's that holiday season again. Friends and loved ones are making plans for a visit.
Letting Go -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Michael Crichton was a doctor. But he also had other talents and the itch to write.
The Blessed Sacrament -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Transformed In Christ -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
"Hoke, you are my best friend." It took Daisy Werthan almost twenty years to make that statement; it
Kindhearted People -- Matthew 5:7 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The beatitudes have a rhythm about them. Jesus states a truth and doubles back with emphasis.
When is Being Right Wrong? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard C. Brand -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
I finally got a copy of the Rules of Life.
Homosexuality, Facing The Issue -- Romans 1:16-32 -- 2004
The Christian faith should form every aspect of the life of a Christian.
Body Parts And Pride -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
It sometimes happens that small parts of the Bible seem to become dated, especially when they echo p
View From The Mountaintop -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Mountains fascinate us. They tower majestically against the horizon, strong and immovable.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
In The Darkness Of Despair, There Is The Light Of Hope -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
A student at The University of Georgia got a job as a disc jockey at a little radio station in Comme

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

A Helping Hand -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
O Christ, had I one wish I fain would bethe one who bore your cross to Calvary,
Preparing the Way -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A young director faced his cast and crew, slumped in their auditorium seats before the stage of Gree
Memorial Day Preacher -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
I walked through the cemetery one evening, late in May.
Looking Back -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
My call to be a minister I never will forget.
A Voice In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Margaret told herself that she should feel very pleased with her Christmas preparations.
Becoming -- Genesis 3:8-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
In the beginning, Adam and Eve were living happily ever after. They were the first human family.
The Mighty Acorn -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
A church camp counselor gathered the six small boys from his cabin under the spread of a very old oa
The Calling Cycle -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
The God who calls isthe God who guides isthe God who provides is
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There were just three shopping days left until Christmas. Mrs.
Pulpit Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ONCE IN a happy little village there lived a round man with a straight nose.
The Preacher's Inspiration -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"BUT PASTOR," said Mrs.
Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ALTHOUGH PETER PULPITPOUNDER was skilled in pounding his fist, he was not one to lose his temper.
D.D. WHAT IS a rally without a pounding fist? -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
At a rousing rally, pounding fists are to the pulpit what streamers are to the rafters.
Door Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
NOT OFTEN is the urge to be a boy again satisfied so well for preachers as when they go calling.
Peter's Pounding Heart -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THERE WERE times when Peter did not pound.
Cut-time Preaching -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
SELDOM HAVE preachers been more foolish than when they have supposed that people think with their he
What's in a Name -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
IF PULPITPOUNDER was a flame to live up to, it was also a flame to put up with.
The Pulpit Outlook -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
AFTER PETER PULPITPOUNDER developed the fine art of pulpit pounding, his congregation began to look
The Preacher's Kids -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THE SCHOOL marm with the sternest looking glasses in the congregation would hardly have called the p
Daddy's Daughters -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"WHAT ARE tummies for, daddy?" This was the question that gurgled from the lips of Helen Margaret, a
The Preacher Goes Fishing -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"IT DOES my heart good to see you working for a change," said farmer Johnson, as he stood with his h
The War Department -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
PEACE AND HARMONY usually prevailed in this little church in the tiny village.
The Ladies' Aid (A Meditation in a Weed Patch) -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"MEETINGs, MEETINGS everywhere," Peter groaned.
A Man Who Would Be God -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was to be his first trip back to China. He was born in China to missionary parents in the 1930s.
Gospel Grandmothers -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1994
United Church has a tradition. They were known for supporting their pastors very well.

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Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:7-18
Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:9-14
God's Malleability -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Look Around, See The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Look around, see the light.
Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: RedGospel: John 14:8-17 (25-27)
Advent 1 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 19:1-10
Proper 19 | OT 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Partial Ruin Call To Worship
All Have Strayed -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Day of Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
PentecostThe Season Of The Holy SpiritLiturgical Color: Red/White/Green
Easter Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
All Saints' Sunday -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 6:20-31
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 20:27-38
Heartsick -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Heartsick
When You Have Come -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Propers One, Two, Three -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
The Season Of The Holy SpiritPropers One, Two, Three
Epiphany Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:44-53
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 21:5-19
Everyone Is Saved -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Everyone Is Saved
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: What Will You Give Me?
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10-25-37
Holy Week -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
O God, who is perfect in righteousness yet who comes with your mercy of love to every sinner, we pra
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

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Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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