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Isaiah 25:6-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Death of Death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Most ancient cosmologies began with some sort of primordial battle between the gods and chaos, and w
'Tis Pleasant to Repeat -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - B -- 2018
Paul’s starting place in 1 Corinthians 15 is our starting place on Easter Sunday.
Christ conquers death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Note: Because of a scheduling error, we are highlighting this commentary from 2000 by Mark J.
Do you really want to be in that number? -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
I have to admit that Monty Python's Flying Circus is an acquired taste. Yet,
A wake for Death itself -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 146 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
My friend has the oddest idea: He wants to have his wake before he dies.
Christ conquers death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2000
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Death's destruction -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1997
In most churches, All Saints' Day is the annual occasion for remembering the dead.
Easter -- victory,vindication and validation -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 1994
George M. Wiseman has written:Too long the world has missed the Easter Glory,
Not for graveyards -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
No doubt you have heard me say it before, "Easter is not for graveyards."
The Last Enemy -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
In 1 Corinthians 15, verse 26, Paul declares that "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

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'Tis Pleasant to Repeat -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - B -- 2018
Paul’s starting place in 1 Corinthians 15 is our starting place on Easter Sunday.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Unfinished Business -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
For March 31, 2024:
Time Lapse Easter -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
For April 4, 2021:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:

Drama

SermonStudio

Everyone's Invited To The Feast! -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:14-29 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2024) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2021) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2018) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2018
Acts 10:34-43
Acts 10:34-43br... -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Acts 10:34-43
The French writer, Antoine de... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
The French writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of The Little Prince, was a
There was great celebration when... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
There was great celebration when Barry died. The service was simple, per Barry's
Everyone liked Abe and he... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
Everyone liked Abe and he liked everyone he met. At the retirement home, the staff, as
Many communion services are glum... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
Many communion services are glum affairs. Somberness prevails. Worship leaders act
I'll drink to that -- an... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
"I'll drink to that" -- an expression often said when someone utters a pleasing or truthful statemen
On May 18, 1980, at... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
On May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Mount St. Helens became a mountain of death.
Not all mountains are for... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
Not all mountains are for all people. Mount Everest certainly isn't.
Nations take pride in their... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
Nations take pride in their mountains.
Weight Watchers is a proven... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2003
Weight Watchers is a proven program of losing weight through moderate and selective eating.
In Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1994
In Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner writes the following: "When you are with somebody you love,
Agatha was 60 and divorced... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1994
Agatha was 60 and divorced.
When Howard Hughes died, we... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1994
When Howard Hughes died, we were shocked as the details of his life during his last few years were r
The top box office movie... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1994
The top box office movie of all time is the 1982 film E.T., with E.T.
Shakespeare's tragic Macbeth cries out... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
Shakespeare's tragic Macbeth cries out.
The Today's English Version translates... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
The Today's English Version translates verse 9, "He is our God!
Have you ever volunteered to... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
Have you ever volunteered to take care of the altar at church?
In a letter dated February... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
In a letter dated February 6, 1981, a Mennonite father wrote from Heilbron, Germany, to his son in A
(C)The... -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1982
(C)

The Immediate Word

Unfinished Business -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
For March 31, 2024:
Time Lapse Easter -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
For April 4, 2021:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Unfinished Business -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
For March 31, 2024:
Time Lapse Easter -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
For April 4, 2021:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:

SermonStudio

Easter Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayEaster surprises. Collect of the Day
All Saints -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayHow Christ makes us saints. Collect of the Day
All Saints' Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2001
One of the best ways to uncover the principal themes of an Old Testament text is to note its repetit
New Life For A Dead Friend -- Isaiah 25:6-9, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The stench of death surrounded Christ's sorrow, crying
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
Who are saints? -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Who are saints? Those who rely on God for comfort and salvation.
You Now Have Set Your Servant Free -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Feast Of The PresentationCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
Welcome To The Banquet -- Revelation 7:9-17, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Maundy Thursday
Low In The Grave He Lay -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 130, John 5:24-27 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Holy Saturday
All Saints' Sunday -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- John R. Brokhoff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
We have here the eschatological feast of God. It is to be held
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
The Resurrection of Our Lord -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43 -- George M. Bass -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
In the beginning of the Christian era, there was only the Resurrection of Our Lord.
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - B
Theme For The Day

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Unfinished Business -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
For March 31, 2024:
Time Lapse Easter -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
For April 4, 2021:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:

SermonStudio

Death Meets The Lord -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
The writer quoted in Isaiah 25 promises that an unlikely victory will occur.
Death Is Swallowed Up Forever -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Robert A. Hausman -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
All Saints is a time to celebrate the victory over death we share with all the saints and our risen
Apocalypse Wow! -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
A pastor friend of mine recently attended a ministerial meeting at a Presbyterian church, along with
Death Shall Be No More -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Someone I love very much goes each year to a cemetery near her home, carrying a small teddy bear.
With All The Saints -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- John A. Stroman -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Isaiah 25 is a remarkable passage for All Saints' Sunday.
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
In 1967 Stanley Kramer produced and directed the Oscar-winning movie Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
The Conclusion Of The Message -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mark P. Zacher, Anthology -- 1994
The funeral was held on June 18th and so the opening illustration was especially appropriate.
Welcome To The Banquet -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Barbara G. Schmitz, Anthology -- 1994
On the night before Jesus died, he gathered with his friends in an upper room.
What Do We Hope for? -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- John P. Rossing -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
The theme that we hear over and over in these closing Sundays of the church year is hope.
Easter: The Festival Of Joy -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
In the book of Proverbs we read: "A glad heart makes a
Jesus Brings Us To New Life -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Richard E. Gribble -- Easter Day - B
Pastor David Johnson was all prepared, he thought, for his Easter sermon.
The Moment Of Celebration -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- H. Alan Stewart -- All Saints Day - B
It is a known fact that most people like a party.

Stories

StoryShare

The Scribe -- John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 24 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- All Saints Day - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
A Steady God In An Unsteady World -- John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan -- All Saints Day - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Unfinished Business -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
For March 31, 2024:
Time Lapse Easter -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
For April 4, 2021:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:

SermonStudio

Theme: Reunion -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Isaiah 25:9)
Theme: You Explain It -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:1-2, 8-9, 14, 18) One:
All Saints Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipRevelation 21:1-6 (The Message) Leader:
The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis mini-drama can be used to open worship.
He Will Wipe Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Wiping Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- James R. Wilson -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
ALL SAINTS' -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24, Revelation 21:1-6a -- B. David Hostetter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPGod has spoken. Let us be glad and rejoice in the salvation of
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL