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Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teaching of Jesus the Christ.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2001
This passage makes up three stanzas of the longer poem of Isaiah 40:12--31.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2001
Despite the multitudinous variety of possible preaching texts in the Old Testament, the lectionary s
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 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Resurrection and new life in the risen Christ.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The Passion of Jesus leading up to Easter.
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2001
Hosea could very well be called "the prophet of intimacy" - of intimacy with God.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Rebuilding On Secure Foundations -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
I live in Northern California where we frequently experience earthquakes and mud slides.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - B -- 2001
We might call this reading from Second Isaiah "The Great Reversal," because that is what it is about
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
A Story For The Discouraged -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
The response was terrific!
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day, below.Theme For The Day
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
This passage contains what is known as the Noachic Covenant - God's covenant with Noah.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Small Beginnings Which Produce Large Results -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
There is a small Franconian village in the rolling hills of Bavaria, Germany, which never ceases to

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Road Rage -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche.
The Shaking Of The Foundations -- Jeremiah 4:23-26 -- 2004
It is a good thing to stop from time to time in the presence of God and to look back and to look aro
Easter And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Always? -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Now there is a greeting that will knock you back a moment.
Some Things Ought Not To Happen -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen.
The Interruption Of Advent Somberness -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
On many Advent altars Christians often place a wreath holding four candles.
The Church That Jesus Built -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In the Old Testament, kings believed that God gave them direction in their dreams.
Kingdom People -- Matthew 5:3 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Years ago when Richard Shepard, pastor of St.
God's Tattoos -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Have you noticed that tattoos are in?
Will You Give Christ Your Supper? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
The world scene today is as frightening and desperate, as needy and inexplicable as I've ever seen i
Good-bye, Columbus? -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- 2004
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,Columbus sailed the ocean blue,
Disappointed In Jesus -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age.
Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Pentecost And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
The Cloak -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
If you can't refute the argument, then you can attack the person, and the best way to attack a perso
Discovering That It's Not About You -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
"It's not about you." Did anyone ever say that to you? Something is going on.
The Strangeness Of God's Care -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us.
King Of The Mountain -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ.
Brokenhearted People -- Matthew 5:4 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Those who followed Jesus up the mountain were eager to hear his teachings.
A Holy--wood Ending -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particu
Death: A Way Of Life -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Bill Mosley -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
In 1933 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen published a little book on the seven words of Jesus from the cross.
Deep Water! -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
I don't know anyone who's not in over his or her head today ...
Put the Whole World In Our Hands -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- 2004
One of the Apollo 17 astronauts said that, as he looked back upon the earth from the moon, th
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit
Thanksgiving And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
Persisting In Integrity -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Susan breathed in deeply in another effort at self-control.
To Any In Need -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
White Boy shuffled down the street. His run-over loafers
Summer Rain -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
All in all, Thornberry was a pretty quiet place, where big news usually referred to something like a
Perfect In Every Way -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Karl Schmidt loved to sing, and for good reason.
What Can't You Let Go Of? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
The flames were licking higher, close to his feet, and the
The Unseen Leader -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mark Thomas and his wife, Susan, were excited by the
Mazuza Consciousness -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Jim brought in the last of the boxes from the moving van.
The Back of the House -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The attractive young lady sitting opposite me was a puzzle.
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Ginger Jorgenson was an eager young Lutheran pastor just six years out of seminary.
Workers In The Revolution -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Dr. Jack Rosen waited in the bushes by the side of the road,
Goya's People -- John 10:11-18 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
Goya squinted at the brass and steel. The polished metal of
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
Cow 27 -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I really could use the help, Reverend," Wesley said, "and with your baby coming and all, you could
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
What is it that leads a person to lie or cheat or steal in order to accumulate more -- more of anyth
Why Bother? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Pete Richards was a lonely and bitter man. His life had
Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
The Contractor's Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
George Gustafson had been a builder in central Texas nearly 40 years.
A Need To Remember -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
The wind whistled menacingly through the broken windowpane of the old house in which she had taken r
An Idea Wearing Bib Overalls -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
He had stumbled over the words many times. He'd even practiced
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 13:1-23The Sower
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''Say, that's quite an enterprise so near to your church,'' the bishop kidded his host pastor.
An Answer To Prayer -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one
Opening The Door -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
John drove in a leisurely fashion to the Amtrak station. The

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Dates Of Maundy Thursday Love Feasts -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The Lord's Supper is most often celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, and on Wo
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Christmas 2 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Unless A Grain Of Wheat ... -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
First Place In Everything -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: First Place In Everything
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Theme: Required: Willingness And Obedience
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:19-31
Withered Love-Songs -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:5-10
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: John 2:1-11
Additional Sermons For Examination Services And Preparation For The Love Feast -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service Sermon
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
The Season Of The Nativity -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
ChristmasThe Season Of The NativityLiturgical Color: White
Jesus, The Servant -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Collecting The Pieces -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Theme: Collecting The Pieces Call To Worship
Going Where God Sends You -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:11-19
When God Calls You By Name -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: When God Calls You By NameCall To Worship
Epiphany 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:14-21
Some Ancient Christian References To Feetwashing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Our feast explains itself by its name. The Greeks call it agape, i.e. affection.
Short-changing Life -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
The Lord Has Need Of It -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:1-8

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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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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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