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Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 13:15-16, 26-33, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 21 -- Joel 2:23-30, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 24 -- Habakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8a -- George M. Bass -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1991
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Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 14:8-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 25 -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- George M. Bass -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 19 -- Hosea 4:1-3; 5:15-6:6, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:1-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Acts 14:8-18 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 18 -- Ezekiel 33:1-11, Philemon 1-20, Luke 14:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 17 -- Ezekiel 18:1-9, 25-29, Hebrews 13:1-8, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Day Of Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 28:1-9, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:22-30 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Pentecost Cycle -- George M. Bass -- 1991
Pentecost is the third cycle of the church year.
Proper 15 -- Jeremiah 20:7-13, Hebrews 12:1-2, 12-17, Luke 12:49-56 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 14 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-19, Luke 12:32-40 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Christmas Cycle -- George M. Bass -- 1991
The Christmas Cycle is composed of three integrated seasons, Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
First Sunday After The Epiphany -- Acts 10:34-38, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Isaiah 61:1-4 -- George M. Bass -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

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The Troubled Heart Of Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Jesus is beginning in this text, at this point of his ministry, to tell us he is not kidding about t
When Remembering Is More Than Reminiscence -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
The setting and shape of this sermon are obvious.
Pass It On -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
James Stewart tells the story of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years who me
The Tale Of Three Women -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Ruth, what a remarkable book.
Forever Plaid -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
A few years ago there was a popular off-Broadway musical which gave a good insight into how life was
Hard and Soft Hearts -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Probably one of the most frustrating responsibilities I have as a parish pastor is officiating at we
The Challenge To Live Again -- Colossians 3:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated
I Can't Wait! -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Novelist Irwin Shaw was once taking a meal at a fancy French restaurant.
Working With Jesus At Bethany -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
An arrogant young woman wired home from her new job, "Made supervisor, feather in my cap." A few wee
Battleground And Victory -- Mark 14:32-50 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was preached at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Maundy Thursda
Hear The Good News! -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John A. Stroman -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Throughout the world today great masses of Christians will gather for worship.
Expanding The Boundaries -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
The Book of Ruth is a family story. It is an old story, possibly over three thousand years old.
Failure Is Not Final -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
We are offered wonderful news from the Bible on this eighth Sunday of Epiphany.
Through the Eye of a Needle -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the k
Promises, Promises, Promises -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Somewhere today a woman picks up another dirty shirt and tosses it into the laundry basket.
Celebrating The Absence Of The Presence -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John A. Stroman -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
We find it easy to celebrate Jesus' coming at Christmas, but Ascension Day goes by mostly unnoticed.
This Above All -- Romans 13 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
It you celebrated your fortieth birthday - or younger - in 1995, the term "Lucy Riots" probably
To Be Continued -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Here is a remarkable story from World War II.
God Remembers -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
On these opening pages of 1 Samuel we are introduced to a family drama.
No Shortcut To Glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- William L. Self -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
At the beginning of every new fall term, Dr.
"What's in It for Me?" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
One of the most dominating characteristics of our modern American culture is our worship of the free
Have I Got News For You! -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- William L. Self -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
My favorite Christmas story is about the young boy who was given a very important role in the church
Do You See What I See? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
There is a gentle and quaint Christmas carol in which the shepherds of Bethlehem point out to everyo
The Brink Of Eternity -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Creating a sermon is a funny thing.
Beginning The Journey To Calvary -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- John A. Stroman -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
For centuries Christians have gathered on Ash Wednesday to begin the Lenten journey to Calvary.

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John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
24. Gracious God, we come to your table as a people in need of direction.
Monday Of Holy Week -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1991
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,your faithfulness to the clouds.
Ascension of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Clap your hands, all you peoples;shout to God with loud songs of joy.
Easter Evening -- Psalm 150 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Evening - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord!Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty firmament!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
56. Don't frown when the offering plate passes to you. It is a symbol of life, not death.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
110. Advent is awesome time, but how does one prepare for an event that has already happened?
Wednesday Of Holy Week -- Psalm 70 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1991
Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.O Lord, make haste to help me!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. Be careful when you set out to worship God. He will know what you say and what you feel.
New Year's -- Psalm 90:1-12/67 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1991
Lord, you have been our dwelling placein all generations.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
21. God of peace and joy, call us to thanksgiving. Help us to break out of indifference.
Easter -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Day - C -- 1991
The Lord is my strength and my might;he has become my salvation.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
57.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
31. God of life, free us to be who we are.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. Father God, may this time and place gladden the hearts of all who gather for worship.
Palm Sunday -- Psalm 118:19-29 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1991
Open to me the gates of righteousness,that I may enter through them.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
72. Lord, you offer us this cup as a symbol of truth.
Epiphany 2 -- Psalm 36:5-11 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1991
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extend to the heavens,your faithfulness to the clouds.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
60. All of us love new things. We love the sight, the sound, and the feel of a new look.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
12. All of us like to play the role of spectator.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
20. This event does not call us to perfection, for perfection is one gift God has not given us.
Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
O Lord, how manifold are your works!In wisdom you have made them all;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1.
Epiphany 3 -- Psalm 19:7-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1991
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
60. Visualize the shape of the cup and bread.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
13.

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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...

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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 -

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

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

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

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