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Hebrews 10:5-10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Lectionary With A View -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Not many things are quite as common — and, for that matter, quite as predictable — as the sunrise an
Promises Kept -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
The 1989 Christmas Vacation movie features Clark Griswold, his wife Ellen and two children
Then and Now -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
“Current Events” can be very significant at the time they happen, but they can change and/or grow in
Born a child and yet a king -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
One morning in 1872, David Livingstone wrote this in his diary: “March 19, my birthday.
Looking for a king in a democratic age -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
One morning in 1872, David Livingstone wrote this in his diary: “March 19, my birthday.
The Christmas crisis -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:47-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This Sunday, more than most, the heat is on to get the meaning right, hit our stride, and
The Christmas visitor -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2003
If some visitor from another part of the universe came to Earth during the Christmas season, I wonde
Fresh hope -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
As we enter into the last week of the year, it is customary for the media to recap the highlights of
The best is yet to come -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The concept of pregnancy lends itself rather naturally to metaphorical usage.
Poetic mysteries -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
As the mystery and wonder of Christmas draws nearer, the Sunday lessons turn to poetry.
Ultimately! -- Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
One of the little books that ought to be required reading for every Christian is The Will of God
Christmas Comes All the Time -- Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Probably the worst thing we do at Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Rejoicing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C, The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
For December 22, 2024:
Redirect Our Longing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
For December 19, 2021:
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.

CSSPlus

More like Jesus -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the
Sharing with others -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Good morning, boys and girls.
The Father's will -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Good morning! Does anybody know how many days are left
Sacrifice? -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Good morning! People have always wondered how to please

SermonStudio

A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 4 -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Ch

Drama

SermonStudio

The Face Of Salvation -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Psalm 80 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2024) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Micah 5:2-5a
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2021) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Micah 5:2-5a
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2018) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Micah 5:2-5a
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2015) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Micah 5:2-5a
We need to ask our Lord about the sacrifices we make every week... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This passage is a quote from the Psalms.
When we look over the political landscape... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When we look over the political landscape, before and after the recent election, we wonder what inte
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2012) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Micah 5:2-5a
Some years ago, when the... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Some years ago, when the Duke University men's basketball team won back-to-back
In March 1917, under great... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In March 1917, under great duress, Czar Nicolas II abdicated the Russian throne. A
It was a Saturday night... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
It was a Saturday night Darrel would not forget. He had been out drinking with some
What's your heaven strategy? One... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
What's your heaven strategy? One friend told me he was confident of going based on his
The trail had taken... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
The trail had taken a sharp drop into a very thick, dark patch of woods.
In the 1959 film... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
In the 1959 film epic Ben Hur, Director William Wyler told the story of Judah Ben Hur.
Slajov Zizek, 54, is... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Slajov Zizek, 54, is an anti-Christian Marxist philosopher from Slovenia, a former Yugoslav re
The substitute teacher was... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
The substitute teacher was glaring at the class.
Never underestimate the importance of... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Never underestimate the importance of a body willing to sacrifice itself for others.
Since 1995 and the fiftieth... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Since 1995 and the fiftieth anniversary of World War II, we have been besieged by a variety of media
Some folks think that Paul... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Some folks think that Paul wrote Hebrews, but it's just not his style.
Why is it that every... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Why is it that every time I go to buy laundry detergent, the bottle says, "New and Improved"?
The author of Hebrews quotes... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 40 in our passage.
Wake Up, Wake Up, To... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Wake Up, Wake Up, To Do the Word of the Creator is the account of life in a warm orthodox Jewish fam

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Rejoicing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C, The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
For December 22, 2024:
Redirect Our Longing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
For December 19, 2021:
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:

StoryShare

Origin Stories -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Rejoicing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C, The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
For December 22, 2024:
Redirect Our Longing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
For December 19, 2021:
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The DayAdvent is a time for seeing the promise.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Advent 4 -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Rejoicing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C, The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
For December 22, 2024:
Redirect Our Longing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
For December 19, 2021:
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.

SermonStudio

The Gift Of — Darn It! — Waiting -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, our season of waiting is almost over.
Obedience: Our Gift To Jesus -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
One day a man went to his son's bedroom and found him sitting on his bed with a whole stack of comic
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
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
Role Reversal: Baby And Priest -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
The university chaplain was late for a meeting.

The Village Shepherd

Was It A Birth, Or Was It Death? -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
I've always found the final verse of T. S.

Stories

StoryShare

Origin Stories -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written
First Encounter -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Contents “First Encounter” by Keith Hewitt
By Hickory -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Contents "By Hickory" by Frank Ramirez
Becoming Holy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Contents"Becoming Holy" by Peter Andrew Smith
Packing Christmas -- Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46b-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Contents Christmas Stories
Larry's Lesson -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, James T. Garrett, David Michael Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week Stories: "Larry's Lesson" by Stan Purdum

Worship

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Rejoicing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C, The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
For December 22, 2024:
Redirect Our Longing? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
For December 19, 2021:
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.

SermonStudio

Advent 4 -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Psalm 80:1-7 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The truth, Dumbledore sighed It is a beautiful and terrible thing and
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In AdventFor Hebrews 10:5-10
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10Theme: This DayCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: God Promises A Ruler From BethlehemCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a Theme: The Advent-ure Of Joy
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All:
Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women:
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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