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God With Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Jesus is God "with us."
What About Heaven? -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some cutouts from construction paper of clouds, angels, harps, and a throne
A Clean Heart -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What makes a heart clean.
The Woman At The Well -- John 4:4-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
In The Power Of His Name -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bottle of shampoo
Advice From Gamaliel -- Acts 5:17-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Share What You Have -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ice cube tray with removable dividers and a pitcher of water
Piggyback Riders -- 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: have children choose partners to give each other piggyback rides; sweeper, dust rags,
Preparing The Tree -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Making preparations in our personal lives for Christ's coming.
I Am The Beginning And The End -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stepladder
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: When we are scared, we should have faith in God.
We Divide; He Multiplies -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the compassion and power of Christ.
School -- John 5:39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sign resembling a road sign with "School" printed on it
Beloved Of God -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hidden tape recording that can be played, telling the children how much they are lo
God's Good Worker -- Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a, 51-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some big stones
Changing In The Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a heating pad
The Certificate And The Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gift certificate and an actual present
Children, Get Ready! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christmas reminds us to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
Important Keys -- Revelation 1:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large keyring with two keys
The Big Influence Of Small Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that even though the Kingdom seems inconsequential it has ultimate i
Live In The Light -- John 3:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a burglar's disguise and a sack for "loot"
Lose Your Life In God -- Mark 8:30-38 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: instant cocoa powder and a spoon; also a container for the children to dump the powde
Healing The Lame Man -- Acts 4:1-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glass of water, a flat surface, and a sponge to mop it up
The Treasure Inside -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coffee can filled with jewelry and money
The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)

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SermonStudio

What A Dream! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Camp Wesley, located six miles north of Bellefontaine, Ohio, was originally the site of a government
Guilt And Responsibility -- John 18:28-38 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Who killed Jesus? You may think the answer is relatively easy, but there are some complications.
A Pertinent Observation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote:Earth crammed with Heaven,
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
As we approach the story of our Lord's suffering during what we call this Holy Week, and especially
One-liners From Notable People -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
C1. "He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose." J
The Dog Knew Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man who was an alcoholic had a dog which he loved very much.
Overview: In A Nutshell -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching without a net involves the mastery of the five acts of traditional rhetoric (see Ch
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Six Pieces Or Eight Pieces? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A guy was ordering a pizza by telephone, when the man on the phone asked: "How shall we cut the pizz
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E), Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
"O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1).
Redemption -- A Drop Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember in your childhood looking up and trying to understand the clouds?
Is God Left-handed? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"God is left-handed," the little child told her preacher.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C)
How Did The Apostles Of Jesus Die? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Matthew -- slain by the sword in a city of Ethiopia.
What If The Christian Faith Was Gone? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There is a vital principle presented to us in a book by Henry Rogers; years ago he wrote The Ecli
Green Wood And Dry Trees -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
They led Jesus out to be crucified, down the road now known as the Via Dolorosa.
Statue Honoring A Prison Convict -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it is in Crestline, California, and it is a composite figure with eyes of an Oriental, nose of
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Town Called Knockemstiff -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it's a little town in the southwestern part of Ross County, Ohio.
The First Sunday School -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Raikes was no fatalist.
Sample Sermon Manuscripts -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching cannot be taught in the abstract, but only in the doing.
Hours And Wages -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Super Religious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The story is being told that Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Bob Schuller were to be received into h

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
There With Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-18 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person crippled in mind and bodyThere With Jesus
Counting The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The best thing to say to a pastor after you hear a sermon that moves you is not, "That was a good se
Faithful To The End -- John 14:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a good and caring manFaithful To The End
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire
The Promise That Won't Be Broken -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Paul was sitting in prison with every reason to be discouraged.
A Conquered Enemy -- 1 Corinthians 15:26 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 62-year-old manA Conquered Enemy
When Arlington National Cemetery Is Full -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
The honored dead from our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a problem for Arlington Nati
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
Heimgang -- John 14:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died from cancerHeimgang
Only The Lost And The Least -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
A woman approached her pastor with a question: "Where is the lost and found department in our church
A Multitude Of Thoughts -- Psalm 139:1-18 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful manA Multitude Of Thoughts
Fade To Black -- James 1:10-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceFade To BlackJames 1:10-11
Testing Time -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
To live the Christian life is to be tested.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Strength From Adversity -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
When Beth was a student nurse during World War II, she was chubby.
Expect Nothing In Return -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Regina Jennings worked as a custodian at West Virginia University College of Law for fifteen years.
Linny -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Myra started nursing school at the tender age of 33.
Twice Forgiven -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Robby was changing the channel on the radio when he came to the intersection.
Martha's Incredible (In)Sight -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
My dear friend, Martha, is blind. She wasn't always blind.
Even In Death, Life Is Celebrated -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Our son, Andrew, was born on November 1, All Saints' Day.
Don't Thank Me, Thank God! -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up.
A Prayer For Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Our Father:We listen to the crossUpon which your Son did die for us.
Open Our Minds, Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Mr.
Be Slaves To One Another -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened.
God Will Be With Us -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cindy was on the brink of despair. Her hours at work were getting longer and longer.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
Never Underestimate A Dishwasher -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
My back was killing me. I must have been standing there for hours. I checked the clock on the wall.
There Is Still Time -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Karen hates church. She feels it's a place where people are brainwashed.
Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Andrew was just a little baby when he was baptized.
Set Free Through Grace -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
A seal, known as Martin Luther's Seal, is a world-wide symbol for many Lutherans.
A Word About Fig Trees -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Fig trees are one of the most important plants in the Bible as they are mentioned over sixty times.
Follow The Leader -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
I admit I like it when people are articulate.
Giving And Taking Thanks -- John 6:25-35 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy.
Food Is Love -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
My mother is a very caring person who loves to feed people.
Easter Cookies? -- John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Usually we celebrate Easter with chocolate bunnies and sugared chicks, dyed eggs or flower crosses.
The Dead Tree -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
That tree seemed out of place.
Fragrant Plant Water -- John 12:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
When Peter was four years old, his mother received a very special present: a costly bottle of perfum
Heartfelt Prayers And A Doubting Doctor -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Timmy's heart had a small hole in it.
Adagio -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
He could barely lift his head from his chest. Oh, but how the music moved him. Adagio. Slow.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Theme: How Paul Became An ApostleCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Evil DeedsCall To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Theme: "Do Not Be Afraid, I Am With You"Call To Worship
I Am Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: "I Am Too Young"
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise the Lord, our God!
Listen To God -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Call To Worship
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Celebrate The Lord's VictoryCall To Worship
Healing On The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Healing On The Sabbath
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
God's Dynasty Continues Forever -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with many fears and anxieties.
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Advent Wreath
The Spirit Brings Life -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O Lord, how manifold are your works.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe bring our fears into your revealing light.
Proper 17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: Lord, we come together, restless in our pews.
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: Trusting The Lord Call To Worship
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Proper 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (from Psalm 78:23-29)
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
Proper 9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For December 7, 2025:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
There was an incident some years ago, when an elderly lady in some village parish in England was so fed up with the sound of the church bells ringing, that she took an axe and hacked her way through the oak door of the church. Once inside, she sliced through the bell ropes, rendering the bells permanently silent. The media loved it. There were articles in all the papers and the culprit appeared on television. The Church was less enthusiastic - and took her to court.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
(See The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, and The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

This psalm is a prayer for the king, and it asks God to extend divine rule over earth through the anointed one who sits on the throne. Although the inscription says the psalm is about Solomon, that is a scribal addition. More likely, this was a general prayer used for more than one of the Davidic kings, and it shows the common belief that the monarch would be the instrument through which God acted.

Mark Wm. Radecke
In her Pulitzer Prize winning book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, author Annie Dillard recalls this chilling remembrance:
Paul E. Robinson
There is so much uncertainty in life that most of us look hard and long for as many "sure things" as we can find. A fisherman goes back again and again to that hole that always produces fish and leaves on his line that special lure that always does the trick. The fishing hole and the lure are sure things.
John N. Brittain
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground. And you must have no contact with any children. And you cannot have been to a mall, Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, or any other chain store since three weeks before Halloween. Christmas, probably more than any other day in the contemporary American calendar, is one of those days where impact really stretches the envelope of time not just -- like some great tragedy -- after the fact, but also in anticipation.
Tony S. Everett
One hot summer day, a young pastor decided to change the oil in his automobile for the very first time in his life. He had purchased five quarts of oil, a filter wrench, and a bucket in which to drain the used oil. He carefully and gently drove the car onto the shiny, yellow ramps and eased his way underneath his vehicle.

Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. This task of preparing for the arrival of the Lord is not as easy as we might think it is. As in other areas of life, we find ourselves having to unlearn some things in order to see what the scriptures teach us about God's act in Jesus. We've let the culture around us snatch away much of the meaning of the birth of the Savior. We have to reclaim that meaning if we really want to be ready for what God is still doing in the miracle of Christmas.
Timothy J. Smith
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks. Our "to do" list grows each day. At times we are often out of breath and wondering if we will complete everything on our list before Christmas Day. We gather on this Second Sunday in Advent to spiritually prepare for what God has done and continues to do in our lives and in our world. We have been too busy with all our activities and tasks so that we are in danger of missing out on the miracle of Christmas.
Frank Luchsinger
For his sixth grade year his family moved to the new community. They made careful preparations for the husky, freckle-faced redhead to fit in smoothly. They had meetings with teachers and principal, and practiced the route to the very school doors he would enter on the first day. "Right here will be lists of the classes with the teachers' names and students. Come to these doors and find your name on a list and go to that class."
R. Glen Miles
The text we have heard today is pleasant, maybe even reassuring. I wonder, though, how many of us will give it any significance once we leave the sanctuary? Do the words of Isaiah have any real meaning for us, or are they just far away thoughts from a time that no longer has any relevance for us today?
Susan R. Andrews
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche. All the actors in this stable drama are soft and squishy and durable - perfect to touch and rearrange - or toss across the living room in a fit of toddler frenzy. The Joseph character has always been my favorite because he looks a little wild - red yarn spiking out from his head, giving him an odd look of energy. In fact, I have renamed this character John the Baptist and in my mind substituted one of the innocuous shepherds for the more staid and solid Joseph. Why this invention?
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Wild animals flourish around us,
C: and prowl within us.
P: Injustice and inequity surround us,
C: and hide within us.
P: Vanity and pride divide us,
C: and fester within us.

A time for silent reflection

P: O God, may your love free us,
C: and may your Spirit live in us. Amen.

Prayer Of The Day

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The world and the church approach the "Mass of Christ" with a different pace, and "atmospheres" that are worlds apart. Out in the "highways and byways" tinsel and "sparkly" are everywhere, in the churches the color of the paraments and stoles is a somber violet, or in some places, blue. Through the stores and on the airwaves carols and pop tunes are up-beat, aimed at getting the spirits festive, and the pocketbooks and wallets are open.
David Kalas
In the United States just now, we're in the period between the election and the inauguration of the president. In our system, by the time they are inaugurated, our leaders are fairly familiar faces. Months of primaries and campaigning, debates and speeches, and conventions and commercials, all contribute to a fairly high degree of familiarity. We may wonder what kind of president someone will be, but we have certainly heard many promises, and we have had plenty of opportunities to get to know the candidate.
(A)
During my growing up years we had no family automobile. My father walked to work and home again. During World War II his routine at the local milk plant was somewhat irregular. As children we tried to guess when he would come. If we were wrong, we didn't worry. He always came.
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
What difference does my life make for others around me? That question is addressed in three related ways in our texts for today. Isaiah raised the emblem of the Servant of Yahweh as representative for what life is supposed to be, even in the middle of a chaotic and cruel world. Paul mirrors that reflection as he announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's vision in the coming of Jesus and the expansion of its redemptive effects beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world as well.

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