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 Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 (C)
Reconciled To Self, Others, And God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
First Sunday After Christmas / Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (C)
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:27-34 (C)
The Challenge Of Compassion -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (C, E)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:23-32 (C)
Confidence And Persistence In Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lor
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Habakkak 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (C)
Becoming Rich In The Eyes Of The Lord -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 43:1-7 (C)
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Haggai 1:15b--2:9 (C)
Expect The Unexpected -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Jesus said, "Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the ki
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5 (C, RC, E)
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 65:17-25 (C)
Renewing Our Relationship With Jesus -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
All Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 (C)
The Generosity Of Humility -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
One occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sab
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Consequences Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and d
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Woman's Place -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
In 1999 I traveled in North Africa.
Left Behind? -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I want to talk about the confusing, messy, often heartbreaking process we call life.
Working Together As One -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
The Hinge Of History -- Luke 3:1-6 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Henry Ford said that history is bunk; but history has gotten its revenge on the pioneer auto maker.
The Son Also Rises -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
When it comes to the resurrection, one of the things that all of the Gospel writers agree upon is th
Dying To Live -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
In his book The Mustard Seed Conspiracy, Tom Sine shares the story of his parents' friends and their
God's Peace Is On Patrol -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
On the Sunday afternoon following Thanksgiving, when I was in seventh grade, it began to snow.
The Life You've Always Wanted -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
The other day I came across some interesting epitaphs.
Jesus' Lesson On Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Jesus was praying. His followers sat near and watched.
Rowers And Rockers -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
One of the most difficult jobs in any church is the staff person, usually a secretary, who is assign
A Dirty Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Steven E. Albertin -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Under every Christmas tree in the midst of the brightly wrapped packages, the choo-choo train windin
The Divine Opportunity -- Luke 3:7-18 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Opportunity comes with so many different faces that we often don't recognize it.
Revised And Amended By The Author Of Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
The celebrated theologian and novelist Frederick Buechner once remarked that preaching is like doing
Can You Hear It? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Charles D. Reeb -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
There is a monastery in Europe which was built in a most difficult location.
The Ultimate Sacrifice -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Back during the first week of November, when the stores were busy trying to persuade us suddenly to
A Vexing Vision -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Charles D. Reeb -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Have you have heard the expression, "Something got lost in the translation?" On the Internet there a
It's God's Grace, Not American Ingenuity -- Luke 12:13-21 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Imagine an enormous open field in the midst of rolling hills.
Too Peeved To Pray -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Paul did not pray! I know that it is difficult to believe, but Paul did not pray.
The Making Of A Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
How many times have your heard people say at this time of the year, "Christmas is about family.
Songs Of The Season -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
No season of the year sings as well as Christmas.
A Labor Not In Vain -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
According to the book of Acts, when Saul set out toward Damascus with his satchel of arrest warrants
Conversion To Christ -- Steven E. Albertin, Charles D. Reeb, Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2003
Contemporary life provides almost endless opportunities and possibilities that allow us to maximize
Enlightened Eyes -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
It is a matter of perspective. It is a matter of how we choose to look at things.
Need A Lift? -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Journalist Bob Garfield researched health articles in The Washington Post, USA Today, and The New Yo
The Transforming Power Of A Changed Perspective -- Luke 12:32-40 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
As we wander through the middle of this twelfth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we notice that Jesus

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Growing Pains -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Growing pains is a term that refers to pains in the limbs or joints during childhood and youth.
Stars and Stables -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1899, a boy named Jeno was born in Budapest, Hungary.
Parable -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Truth embodied in a tale shall enter in at lowly doors," wrote Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Lost -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I come here to find myself.
Grudge -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Anemia was the girl's problem.
Stars -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In a small monastery there was a little monk who was extremely shy.
Stone Soup -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Do you know how to make stone soup?
Luck -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Many years ago, begins an old Chinese story, there was a man who had a horse and one son.
Hard-Boiled -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the early days of the American frontier, women used lye soap and often washed their family's clot
Thanksgiving Letters -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
During the Depression of the 1930's, Dr. William L.
Mansion -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In A.D.
Healthy Religion -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"It is worth-while to look at the types of character that Jesus admires.
The Existence of God -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Robinson Crusoe is an imaginary story about a sailor, who was marooned on a desert island.
Means and Ends -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
America's crucial problem is too many Americans are rich in things and poor in soul.
Affirm -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Jesus once told a story about a woman who kept nagging a greedy and unjust judge until his resistanc
Hero -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Robert Redford's movie about baseball, "The Natural," confirms the words of educator Jacques Barzun:
Through -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Keep my lad safe, O Lord. Hide him under Thy wings.
Medicine -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Many believers think that to have recourse to science in treating illness is to reject faith," wrot
Bridge Builders -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In A.D. 1191, Pope Clement III approved a new guild.
Heroes -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Researchers for the World Almanac and Book of Facts asked 2,000 American eighth-grade students to na
Tired -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the entrance hall of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a remarkable statue of Jesus of Nazar
Meek -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When the Great Fire of London destroyed the original St.
Cabbage Patch Kids -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Cabbage Patch Kids are dolls invented by Xavier Roberts.
Holy Week -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Holy Week is the last week of Lent, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Saturday.
Tomato -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Before 1830, tomatoes were known as love apples.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

No God Like God -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Practice Random Acts of Kindness -- Ephesians 4:25-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Touchable -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Song of Solomon 2:8-13Theme: Spring FeverCall To Worship
Afraid and Overwhelmed -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Covenant -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1999
Call To Worship
All God's Children -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Roads to Happiness -- John 14:1-6 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
God Raised Him -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: God is in charge. God raised Jesus. This is Easter.
Storm Shelter -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Standing on the Promises -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Partners -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Partners in concern,People: Partners in planning,
Call Her Happy -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Turning Inkblots into Angels -- Romans 8:28-39 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
So, Anyway -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Releasing Joy -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us rejoice in this day that God has made.
Speaking Up -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Healing Power of Love -- John 15:12-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
By The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
God Who Gave -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: It is Christmas.People: The Holy Child has come.
Counting On God -- Job 1:1, 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Staying Alive as Long as You Live -- Romans 12:3-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Tell Me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Just A Few Drops Of Water -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Quiet baptismal water connects us to God forever.

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