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Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
More than any other Sunday in Lent, the fifth Sunday has lost its theological and liturgical identit
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Sunday provides the theological clue within the cycle and season of Pentecost.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Trinity Sunday had given its name to the entire second half of the church year; that changed almost
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
The Sundays after Christmas (there may be one or two some years) allow the church time to reflect on
The Day of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27 -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Just when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the event known as Pentecost, occurred is a matter of d
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Historically, most of the liturgical churches celebrate the First Sunday in Lent as Invocabit, as th
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
The liturgical and theological function of the festival of Epiphany is to manifest the full glory of
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Wake up and watch is the biblical/liturgical theme for this First Sunday of Advent.
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Something of a minor liturgical controversy surrounds the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord.
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
In 1991 , this will be the pivotal Sunday in the Pentecost cycle/season; thirteen Sundays precede it
The Easter Cycle -- George M. Bass -- 1989
This cycle is made up of two seasons, Lent and Easter, which together form exactly one-quarter of th
Proper 8 -- Genesis 32:22-32, Matthew 10:34-42 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Salt and Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1989
On this Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, we begin the series of parables in Leationary Cycle A with
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Faithful and Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
In the twelfth century Cistercian Abbey of Boquen in Brittany there is a madonna called by the monks
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 25 -- Ruth 2:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seed and Soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
"O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:29) These words of Jeremiah were ch
Proper 12 -- Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 26 -- Ruth 4:7-17, Matthew 23:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Treasure and Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
According to Jesus, there is nothing more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven.
Proper 15 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Romans 11:13-16, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Leviticus 1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 5:38-48 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

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Will The Real Messiah Please Stand Up? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- William L. Self -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
In the early days of television a popular game show, To Tell the Truth, held the attention of the Am
Changing A Paradigm -- Or Two -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1999
Paradigm is certainly a word that has received much usage these days, especially in management circl
Deductive And Inductive Sermons -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
The processes of deduction and induction are mirror opposites.
The Agenda Factor -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- William L. Self -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Architecture and power are Siamese twins joined at the hip.
A Grave Reality -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1999
The widow of Nain, the Gospel story just read: Can you picture the scene?
On The Matter Of Love -- John 15:9-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The presence of God is the difference between joy and happiness.
Jesus And The Challenge Of The Bread Business -- Luke 4:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus
Once And For All -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
We approach this first Sunday of Lent with mixed feelings.
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...! -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Do you remember the fairy tale "Snow White"?
The Need Of Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
From the beginning, it seemed, Ludovicio Gadda was destined for greatness.
The Journey To Freedom Begins -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Indian freedom fighter and certainly one of the most influential persona
Fishing With A Harmonica -- Matthew 4:18-20 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly outdoorsman and church memberLawrence H. Craig
A Time To Build Another Story On A Stone House -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
There was much excitement in the summer of '64 at Tell Makor in Israel.
Going Through The Waters -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
I suppose when we hear this passage about the parting of the Reed Sea, many of us cannot help but re
The Rain Of Bread -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
There is nothing like heading out into the back country, carrying on your back everything you need t
One Last Reminder -- 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
One cannot read the gospels without being impressed with the way that Jesus dealt with the surprises
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
The term "late-bloomers" refers to people who respond later in life to an invitation, but still mana
Our Need To Talk With The Son -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
Three sisters lived in the forest.
Essential Personnel! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this t
The Word Of The Lord Came To The Prophet Haggai -- Haggai 1:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
There is something about seeing a zero creep up on the odometer, whether it's in your car, the world
Jesus Called To He -- Luke 13:12 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an active church member who had a long struggle with cancerT. A. Kantonen
A Time To Come Along, Bravely -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
The waiting room is adequate but nothing fancy; magazines dog-eared and out of date, a few toys for
It's Not Over When The Fat Lady Sings -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Consider this list: a local restaurant under construction, a high school dropout, the cross-stitch I
God's Baffling Grace -- John 5:2-14 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
"Listen, you are well now; so stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."
Doing Right Because It Is Right -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
In a vast field that stretched as far as the eye could see, a great multitude of people milled about

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John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41. None of us can be alone, what God has created us to be.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
30. Communion calls us to our potential.
Easter 2 -- Psalm 2 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Why do the nations conspire,and the peoples plot in vain?
Proper 5 -- Psalm 113 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord!Praise, O servants of the Lord;praise the name of the Lord.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
45. We had a certified public accountant who believed the offering was God's tax on his people.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
46.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
34.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30:4-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,and give thanks to his holy name.
Proper 6 -- Psalm 42 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1991
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you,O God.
The disciples' failure to understand what Jesus was teaching, and their fear about checking it out -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The events surrounding the last hours of Jesus' life. -- John 18:1-19:42, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
Again, use an order of worship different from your usual order.Suggestion:
Jesus' rebuttal to the disciples -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Eastertide, the Season of the Resurrection -- 1990
Christianity focuses on, and revolves around, Easter Day (No such term as Easter Sunday exists.) Chr
Jesus deals with the question of divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, John 20:1-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
1.
Jesus' confrontation with the rich young man and the disciples over riches -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' confrontation with James and John about sharing power -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The Appearance of the Risen Christ, and the Disciples initial disbelief -- Luke 24:35-49 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
The Great Commandment: Love God, and others as you love yourself. -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Birth of the World's Savior - Include the themes of crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Suggestion: Use the following themes to identify each section of the order of worship:
Friendship with God -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider these ideas:

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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...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

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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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