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A Decent Obsession -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Karl Barth once remarked that the greatest tragedy in human life would be to come to the end of our
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Christians live under new conditions.
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2003
Darkness and light. The Bible constantly speaks of those two conditions.
The Uncaring Judge -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
The subject for this Sunday, as set forth in the accompanying New Testament texts, is baptism, the b
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Endings can be sad.
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
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 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Two Men At Prayer -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Christ the King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Both Luke (15:3-7; 19:10) and John (10:11-12) characterize our Lord as the Good Shepherd.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
The same Old Testament text is used for Maundy Thursday in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Two Men In Debt -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
We have a crowd here today on this Easter Sunday. Churches are always crowded on Easter.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - B -- 2003
All of us know that there are proper times to do and say certain things.
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Post-Resurrection Catch -- John 21:1-14 -- John W. Wurster -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed

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Grace To You, And Peace -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The weeklong pastor's training event was about halfway through its course and the pastor coordinatin
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
A Sense Of Place -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new p
Precious And Privileged Children -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
The remarkable world of children has always fascinated me.
Jesus Is The Recipe For Eternal Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Scientists tell us that if you take six molecules of carbon dioxide and combine it with twelve molec
Accepting The Lord Once Again -- John 1:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2005
He came softly, unobserved and yet, strange to say, everyone knew him.
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
Momentous Moment -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- David T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
When visiting another church one time, a thought occurred to me as I waited in my pew for communion
The View From Michal's Window -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
The View From Michal's Window
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
A Promise Fulfilled: A Gift Given -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
During the last years of the Roman Empire, in the city of Myra, the regional bishop died.
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets
Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
The Quiet Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Pentecost is a celebration of the church's beginning.
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
The Maybe Moment -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Maybe Moment
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.
God Our Protector And Shield -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
James Gillis, a priest and writer in the mid-twentieth century, became well known as a commentator o
A Sure-Fire Way To End Burn Out -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
We live in a crazy time.
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Baptism -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
"Oh, Mom, don't be silly. I don't need Erin baptized.
Hope -- 1999
Amy Grant, interviewed on CNN, was asked what the purpose of Christian music is.
Truth -- 1999
Winston Churchill is supposed to have said once about his potential opponent: "Baldwin occasionally
Commitment -- 1999
At the Kennedy Space Control Center there are signs which come on telling of the many countdown chec
Blessed To Be A Blessing -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Mark had loved helping out ever since he was young.
Miracle -- 1999
In small discussion groups on miracles, some questioned whether there really were any.
Bitterness Fever -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I hate Serbs for what they have done to my people.
Every Child Has A Purpose -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It was Alpha's eightieth birthday and the party was grand.
Humanity -- 1999
At the formal academic ceremony of graduation at Wittenberg University, I saw a dog come behind the
TV Commercial -- 1999
A couple quotations: "We measure success one investor at a time." -- Dean Witter.
Communion -- 1999
I stood in the aisle of Saint Peter Church, Monrovia, Liberia, and inquired as to the fate of my for
Seeing With New Eyes -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Rudy looked around. He couldn't believe it. It had finally ended. He was free.
Mission -- 1999
Dennis Anderson, President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, told of a woman named Jud
Really A Sham? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A high school teacher does not like to be bothered with the time consumed in grading essay tests, bu
The Portrait -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Paul couldn't stand it anymore. The constant ringing in his ears was deafening.
Humanness -- 1999
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle blew up one and a half minutes out of Cape Kennedy.
Victory -- 1999
At Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland where I preached today, there is a mentally challenged older
Communion Of Saints -- 1999
Pastor Carlos Schneider tells of Ted and Tom, who sat in the balcony at Saint John's, Sacramento.
We Gather Together -- Psalm 126 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
The aromas were inviting. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberries.
Music -- 1999
Today I did not preach so I could see from my pew in the chancel our organist, Linda Wibben, actuall
Offering -- 1999
In an Iowa snowstorm the willow trees in back of our home bent way over from the weight.
No-Win -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There is a witticism that goes, "Why do we buy things we don't want, just to impress people we can't
Life's Purpose -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Holly was washing the dishes, listening to her favorite gospel quartet on tape, when two men pulled
Human Worth -- 1999
A letter arrived from Lydia Manawu in Liberia, marked, "No Monetary Value."
Violence -- 1999
In the movie Witness Grandpa tells his grandson Samuel, "What you take into your hand, you ta

Thanksgiving Day

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Proper 27 -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 7:37-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: PentecostCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Another ChanceCall To Worship
On Eagles' Wings -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Resurrection Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: ReconciliationCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 119:1-8; 33-48; 129-144 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday In Lent -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: TemptationCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Alive To God In ChristCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Deborah -- The JudgeCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 23 -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In The Lord, AlwaysCall To Worship
The Gift Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 15 -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: Irrevocable LoveCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Moral HolinessCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of LightCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: CreationFirst Lesson: Genesis 1:1--2:4a Theme: Creation
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Calls UsCall To Worship
I Am The Resurrection -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Testimony To The Risen LordCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: What Does Your Heart Say?Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ The Sure FoundationCall To Worship

Worship Service

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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...

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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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