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SermonStudio

Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teaching of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 25, Reformation Sunday -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2001
After the Lord's long interrogation of Job in chapters 38-41, in which Job learns humility before th
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2001
Despite the multitudinous variety of possible preaching texts in the Old Testament, the lectionary s
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Resurrection and new life in the risen Christ.
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The Passion of Jesus leading up to Easter.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2001
Hosea could very well be called "the prophet of intimacy" - of intimacy with God.
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Rebuilding On Secure Foundations -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
I live in Northern California where we frequently experience earthquakes and mud slides.
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - B -- 2001
We might call this reading from Second Isaiah "The Great Reversal," because that is what it is about
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
A Story For The Discouraged -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
The response was terrific!
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
This passage contains what is known as the Noachic Covenant - God's covenant with Noah.
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day, below.Theme For The Day
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Road Rage -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche.
Some Things Ought Not To Happen -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen.
Where Are The Clowns? -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 -- 2004
Many of us are familiar with Stephen Sondheim's wonderful musical, A Little Night Music, and,
Three Cheers For Leviticus -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
A once--popular book, The Varieties Of New Testament Religion, by E. F.
The Interruption Of Advent Somberness -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
On many Advent altars Christians often place a wreath holding four candles.
Easter And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Kingdom People -- Matthew 5:3 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Years ago when Richard Shepard, pastor of St.
Always? -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Now there is a greeting that will knock you back a moment.
Will You Give Christ Your Supper? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
The world scene today is as frightening and desperate, as needy and inexplicable as I've ever seen i
Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
King Of The Mountain -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ.
Disappointed In Jesus -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age.
Discovering That It's Not About You -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
"It's not about you." Did anyone ever say that to you? Something is going on.
Good-bye, Columbus? -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- 2004
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,Columbus sailed the ocean blue,
God's Tattoos -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Have you noticed that tattoos are in?
The Strangeness Of God's Care -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us.
Pentecost And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Brokenhearted People -- Matthew 5:4 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Those who followed Jesus up the mountain were eager to hear his teachings.
The Cloak -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
If you can't refute the argument, then you can attack the person, and the best way to attack a perso
Deep Water! -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
I don't know anyone who's not in over his or her head today ...
A Holy--wood Ending -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particu
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit
The Way To Happy Endings -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Genesis 24 is like a short novel that is set into the end of the story of Abraham.
Put the Whole World In Our Hands -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- 2004
One of the Apollo 17 astronauts said that, as he looked back upon the earth from the moon, th
Death: A Way Of Life -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Bill Mosley -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
In 1933 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen published a little book on the seven words of Jesus from the cross.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Persisting In Integrity -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Susan breathed in deeply in another effort at self-control.
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
To Any In Need -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
White Boy shuffled down the street. His run-over loafers
Summer Rain -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
All in all, Thornberry was a pretty quiet place, where big news usually referred to something like a
What Can't You Let Go Of? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
The flames were licking higher, close to his feet, and the
Perfect In Every Way -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Karl Schmidt loved to sing, and for good reason.
The Unseen Leader -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mark Thomas and his wife, Susan, were excited by the
The Back of the House -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The attractive young lady sitting opposite me was a puzzle.
Mazuza Consciousness -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Jim brought in the last of the boxes from the moving van.
Workers In The Revolution -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Dr. Jack Rosen waited in the bushes by the side of the road,
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Ginger Jorgenson was an eager young Lutheran pastor just six years out of seminary.
Goya's People -- John 10:11-18 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
Goya squinted at the brass and steel. The polished metal of
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
Cow 27 -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I really could use the help, Reverend," Wesley said, "and with your baby coming and all, you could
Why Bother? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Pete Richards was a lonely and bitter man. His life had
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
What is it that leads a person to lie or cheat or steal in order to accumulate more -- more of anyth
Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
A Need To Remember -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
The wind whistled menacingly through the broken windowpane of the old house in which she had taken r
The Contractor's Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
George Gustafson had been a builder in central Texas nearly 40 years.
An Idea Wearing Bib Overalls -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
He had stumbled over the words many times. He'd even practiced
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 13:1-23The Sower
An Answer To Prayer -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''Say, that's quite an enterprise so near to your church,'' the bishop kidded his host pastor.
Opening The Door -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
John drove in a leisurely fashion to the Amtrak station. The

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Dates Of Maundy Thursday Love Feasts -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The Lord's Supper is most often celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, and on Wo
Unless A Grain Of Wheat ... -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Convincing -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany Day/The Baptism Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Christmas 2 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
First Place In Everything -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: First Place In Everything
Withered Love-Songs -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:5-10
Additional Sermons For Examination Services And Preparation For The Love Feast -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service Sermon
Jesus, The Servant -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: John 2:1-11
The Season Of The Nativity -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
ChristmasThe Season Of The NativityLiturgical Color: White
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Collecting The Pieces -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Theme: Collecting The Pieces Call To Worship
Going Where God Sends You -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:11-19
Some Ancient Christian References To Feetwashing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Our feast explains itself by its name. The Greeks call it agape, i.e. affection.
The Lord Has Need Of It -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
When God Calls You By Name -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: When God Calls You By NameCall To Worship
Epiphany 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:14-21
Short-changing Life -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:1-8

Worship Service

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

Special Occasion

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