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Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
This passage forms the middle chapter of an announcement of salvation that is found in Isaiah 60--62
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2001
We have here the account of how David was made king over all the tribes of Israel, after ruling for
Language tools in reference to the process of redemption -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Our human predicament
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
There are three decisive times in the Old Testament when God breaks into Israel's history with a new
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2001
I wonder if you remember one of the characters in the popular television series, M*A*S*H.
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2001
Who is Jesus Christ?
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2001
The lectionary has a way of eliminating from a passage those sections that are considered distastefu
Language tools in reference to the life of the Christian -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Prayer and our relationship with God
All Saints' Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2001
One of the best ways to uncover the principal themes of an Old Testament text is to note its repetit
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
This is the same Old Testament text that will be specified for Christmas Day in Cycles A and C.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2001
This text forms one of the most important theological passages in the Old Testament.
Language Skills For A Prophetic Ministry -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
I hope this book's "clips and quips" not only will provide resources you find useful, but also will
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2001
This passage is the stated Old Testament Lesson for Ascension Sunday also in Cycle A.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2001
This text continues with the passage that we read from Isaiah 61 on the Third Sunday in Advent.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.

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View From The Mountaintop -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Mountains fascinate us. They tower majestically against the horizon, strong and immovable.
Thanks Be To God -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Richard C. Brand -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It is at this point that so many of us feel the temptation to tune out.
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
Heaping Coals And Virtues -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A French writer and historian once wrote, "We owe to the Middle Ages the two worst inventions of hum
Remember -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us remember and worship God who calls us.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Peacemaker People -- Matthew 5:9 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Indexes of books have always fascinated me.
In The Darkness Of Suffering, There Is The Light Of Life -- John 1:1-13 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
Several years ago, I read Sidney Sheldon's Novel, The Windmills Of The Gods.
His Last Command ... Our First Concern! -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the fall of 1971, I visited Leo Tolstoy's home in Moscow.
A Leper In Our Path -- Matthew 8:1-4 -- 2004
Everyone must have been on a spiritual high as they followed Jesus down the path that day.
Jesus Cures Our Spiritual Blindness -- John 9:1-41 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Anne Mansfield Sullivan was a miracle worker who overcame obstacles in seeking to assist others.
Filling Moses' Shoes -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
What will they do now? Moses has died, and nobody even knows where he has been buried.
Remembering Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Christians share a memory - and a belief - that gives us a place to stand, a way of getting things i
Commencement Address -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Sam "Golden Rule" Jones had "quittin' meetings" for those converted at his revivals.
Doing Well And Doing Good -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
There is a cliche thrown around the business world that states that people should do well by doing g
Healing And Forgiveness -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Someone Is Trying To Get Through -- Acts 10:34-43 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Someone is trying to get through to you.
Respect -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
In The Darkness Of Oppression, There Is The Light Of Salvation -- Luke 2:1-5 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
I was staying at a hotel in a small town, near a large city.
Vital Vulnerability -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes.
War Against Hate -- 1 John 3:11-24 -- 2004
A short time ago, the evening news on television reported that a man had gone on a shooting binge.
Jesus Breaks Our Chains -- John 11:1-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was chained, held bound in a life of torment and blasphemy.
Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.
A Name Not Taken In Vain -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the middle of March, 1961, a minister named Duffy splashed water on my head in the middle of a Su
Theology Two Sizes Too Small -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
One of the legacies of children's writer Dr.

Spirituality

Stories

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A Mother's Tears -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gertrude Schmidt loved being a mother.
God Is Faithful To Godself -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1994
His hands were surely trembling as he lifted his hammer to nail his theses to the door of the Castle
A Modern Day Job -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
American culture is a culture of fixing blame -- fixing blame on others.
A New Heart -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1994
It was the religious program she had heard on the radio a few weeks back that sent Shawn Rose on a m
The Lost Is Found -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was the biggest tragedy in Pastor Dave's life.
Ready For Worship -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Ernie, Madge and Todd Applegate always took their place in a front pew just as the bell was ringing.
A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
"I'm telling you it's just not possible that he is the Messiah. If anything he's an imposter.
''Who Can Be Saved?'' -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he...." Many people have learned that song in
When I Saw Your Face -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
The New Year's Eve party at the Campbells' was always a highlight of the year for Tom Stone.
You Are God -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Out On A Limb, Shirley MacLaine's spiritual odyssey, was first published in 1983.
A Promise On The Way To Fulfillment -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1994
It had been the night of his life. He would never forget it as long as he lived.
A Vision For The Future -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
A few years back a west coast bishop returned home from a meeting of his denomination's bishops in K
Let Us Make A Name For Ourselves -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1994
"When you're No. 1 in the world...
A Model For The Good Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1994
We all remember Desert Storm.
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.
Choices -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1994
She was elected to high office some time ago. Let's call her Beverly Washington.
''A Great Prophet Has Arisen Among Us'' -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1994
"Shunem: Site of the Prophet Elisha's Resurrection Miracle." If they had had road signs in the days
Disarming Evil -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
People Of The Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil is one of Dr. M.
Forgiven Much! -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1994
The life of a prostitute is a hateful way of life.
Great Reversals -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
The theme of poverty, riches, possessions and the realm of God is a constant theme of Luke.
The Collapsing Circle -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1994
Allan Nelson is a consultant to business operations throughout the world.
The Laughter Of Faith -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
God called Sarah, too!
Glenda Finds An Advent Prayer -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse.
He Set His Face -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1994
He had just finished feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children when he asked them the question (
The Faithful Harlot -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
What's a bad girl like you doing in a list like this?

Thanksgiving Day

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Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13Theme: A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way
First Sunday In Lent -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ho! -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: "Ho!" God surprises us.
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10:38-42
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:11-17
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
Can Redemption Be Bought? -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Isolation Of Struggle -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
New Year's Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Supplies -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 11:1-13
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:36--8:3
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 23:33-43
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Theme: Feed And Flower
Pentecost Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
God, Who Makes A Way -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:13-21
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 8:26-39
Easter Day -- Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:1-12 or John 20:1-18
Covenant Contact -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Prayers For Special Occasions -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Youth
Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:32-40
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 9:51-62

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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14 – Sermons
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10 – Worship Resources
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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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