Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Advent Sale - Save $131!
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

The First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - 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.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2001
There are many other texts in the Old Testament that call for the repentance appropriate to Ash Wedn
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2001
Our eye--witness account of the reign of King David over all of Israel continues.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
If we look at the context of the passage, the words that immediately precede and follow it announce
Baptism of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2001
Unfortunately, this text from Genesis has often been connected with baptism, and therefore the lecti
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2001
"It's a long story." That familiar saying could be applied to our text for the morning, because the
Proper 14, Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2001
This is the Sunday of Christ the King, the last Sunday in the church year, before we enter the Adven
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2001
Between the notice of David's death in 1 Kings 2:10 and the succession of his son Solomon to the thr
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - B -- 2001
There are many people here this morning who do not normally come to Sunday services.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2001
When we dealt with the story of David, we learned that he was not permitted to build a temple to hou
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
This text for the Sunday after Easter really shakes us up, doesn't it?
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2001
By this text we begin expositions of some of the Writings of the Old Testament, with which we will d
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
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.
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
Salvation - Worldly, Corporate, And Dynamic -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
All religions offer salvation.
Take The Bread -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Struggles, Death, And Christ -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Many people cling very tightly to life.
The Rest Of The Story -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Just five days later, the needles are falling, the poinsettias are drooping, and the cookies are sta
Breaking Down Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- 2004
Through Christ, God has solved the problem of conflict between races.
Honor -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Fourth Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother."
Taking You Up With Him -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
"If I go down, I'm taking you down with me." We've all heard that line.
Sharing The Pain Of Others -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
"Rags, rags!
Strong Medicine -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
We get only a sip from the book of Judges.
In The Darkness Of Fear, There Is The Light Of Joy -- Luke 2:6-11 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
One cold Sunday afternoon in December, the congregation of a little Baptist church went over to the
The Incarnation: What And Why? -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus.
In The Darkness Of Suspicion, There Is The Light Of Devotion -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
It was a few days after Christmas.
With A Song In Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
What kind of a song does your heart sing as you go through your days?
A Time To Quit Asking Questions -- Micah 6:1-8 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
We Christians should be very careful about putting a limit on serious questions concerning human and
Enough For All -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
(Place a sheaf of wheat and a small bunch of purple grapes in a basket on the altar to represent
Complete Joy -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
There was once a man who decided he was dead.
Demonstrating The Divine -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
For almost fifty years I have lived comfortably within the church.
Landsberg -- John 12:27-33 -- 2004
On Memorial Day we remember the sacrificial service of people who have fought and died in our countr
Chastity And Fairness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Sixth Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery."
Living Hope -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A middle--aged man was on a Caribbean cruise enjoying his first real vacation in years.
Pentecost! Slow ... And Sure! -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal?
The Subject Is Salvation -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
A pastor was talking one day with some men whom he knew were not actively involved in any religion.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

''God's Gonna Trouble The Water'' -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 (15-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1994
"What difference is a little water going to make anyway?" Ken Taufler thundered at his friend Jim Ka
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?
The Case Of A Grocery Store Fix -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It happened just about every time she went shopping for groceries.
The Glory And The Pain -- Richard A. Jensen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1994
His given name was Leslie Leonard but everyone just called him "Pete." Pete was the son of very devo
A Bent Over Woman -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1994
The woman with the battered face.
The Wretched Of The Earth -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
"Look down and see the beggars at your feet. Look down and show some mercy if you can.
Shy Alice -- John 16:12-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1994
Alice Hawks was one of the most important members of Christ's Church in Dallas.
The Uninvited -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1994
"I was the guy that never got chosen by either side." The speaker of these words was a man by the na
Bearing The Cross -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1994
At long last, Laura McDermott had fulfilled her lifelong dream.
True Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
"Today we're going to talk about Lent," Tanya announced at the beginning of the adult class she had
A Baby Wrapped In Diapers -- John 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1994
HBO hit the jackpot! The ratings they achieved for their special on Michael Jackson were awesome.
The Joy Of God -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1994
Dr. Yoshiro Ishida is an international church leader in the Lutheran Church.
Jesus Must Be A Real Person! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1994
A missionary worked some years ago among a very primitive group of people in Papua New Guinea.
To You Is Born -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
It was to be her first starring role.
Final Payment -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1994
The story of Mary Gordon's book, Final Payments begins with a funeral.
Jesus, Remember Me -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1994
Sheila Stone had had the respect of everyone in her community.
Hear No Evil ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1994
Remains Of The Day is a powerful movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.
A Shroud Unto Life -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Easter Day - C -- 1994
Who will ever forget those first pictures?
''This Is My Body'' -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Tommy Russo tried and tried to go to church with his wife.
When The Light From Heaven Does Not Flash -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Dawn Hetland didn't move a muscle. The worship service was over. The choir had filed out.
From All Nations, Tribes, Peoples, Languages -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Mina lived in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
No More Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Can you imagine a four-year-old boy falling to his death from the 53rd floor of a New York City apar
Paths Of Desperation -- John 5:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Where do you go when you feel hopeless? Dick learned something about that when he was 13.
God's Evangelism Plans -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
The fall of Haile Selassie in 1974 did not bring the kind of peace that the Ethiopians had hoped mig
The Holy Spirit Doesn't Have A Copy Machine -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1994
The wind of the Spirit blew through St.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Prayers For Special Occasions -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Youth
Abundant Rain -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: Abundant Rain
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Underpinning -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Standing On The Shore -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:49-56
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 21:1-19
Proper 28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Released From The Bear's Paw -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Theme: Released From The Bear's Paw
Thanksgiving Eve/Day -- Thessalonians 5:12-22, Psalm 95 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/RedEpistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
First Lesson: (Acts 2:1-21 or) Genesis 11:1-9 Theme: Jibberish
Crumbs From The Cross -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Advent-ure Of Love -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 13:10-17
Easter 4 -- John 10:22-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 10:22-30
Christmas -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Haughty Or Humble? -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14Theme: Haughty Or Humble?
The Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
I Am No Prophet -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
The Season Of Sacred Stories -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Advent-ure Of Hope -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Easter 5 -- John 13:31-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 13:31-35
Preparations For The Lord's Supper -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Some time before the Lord's Supper the group assigned to organize the event should meet to delegate
Futility? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL