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Joshua 5:9-12

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Saves Us By His Grace! -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 5:9-12
Priestly People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
In my junior high confirmation classes, I remind the students that there will be a day when they wil
Occasions for Rejoicing -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Since the Fourth Sunday in Lent has been historically identified as Laetare (Rejoicing Sund
Looking inward; acting outward -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Lenten season is a time for introspection.
The way to withness -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Religion is about a relationship.
The gospel frame by frame -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Let the movie play at full speed through the first half.
Hard to swallow -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
We are ambassadors for Christ. Well, how does it feel to have yourself sworn in and
Always wanting more -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
With Augustine we can affirm that pride is the fundamental sin and concupiscence is its fundamental
A change of perception -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Luke's wonderful parable of the prodigal son dominates the lectionary for today.
The prodigality of God -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The word prodigality carries a dual meaning in English.
The crops of Canaan -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
One night, prowling the corners of a Christian bookstore, I stumbled past the Max Lucado, Dan Jenkin
Lost and found -- Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
This week the Old Testament lesson might remind us of homeless people who have found a decent place

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.-- Joshua 5:9

Drama

SermonStudio

Percival Prodigal Ponders A Pithy Point -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
For several years, my wife and I have been involved in a prison ministry at our local county house o

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 9:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2022) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2019) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2016) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a text about freedom, the first experience celebrating the Passover feast of freedom for the
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George and Martha Washington had a very endearing relationship.
Joshua 5:9-12 Luther... -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Joshua 5:9-12
If you could do it... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
If you could do it, I suppose it would be a good idea to live your life in a straight line --
Pioneers tell similar stories. When... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Pioneers tell similar stories. When they first settled the western plains, they had nothing.
Ashley enjoys hiking and usually... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Ashley enjoys hiking and usually plans vacations around places where she would like to
That Sunday evening I knew... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
That Sunday evening I knew that life would never be the same. It was the last service that
When the second generation of... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
When the second generation of Israel entered into the Promised Land, the supernatural care that had
St. David's had been a... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
St. David's had been a "wilderness church" for years.
The parents of a nine... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The parents of a nine-year-old boy were frustrated with their son because they couldn't get him to p
The winter of 1993-94 was... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The winter of 1993-94 was as severe a winter as we had known; winter storm after winter storm piled
Reverend John Harris made a... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Reverend John Harris made a bold move in his first month as senior pastor of Central Presbyterian Ch
The members of St. Luke's... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
The members of St. Luke's had worshiped in the basement of the church for over 10 years.
If a dead man is... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
"If a dead man is raised to life, all men spring up in astonishment.
For the children... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Pope John Paul II created... -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Pope John Paul II created a stir with the encyclical, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (Social Concer

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

Prayer

SermonStudio

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPGlorify God with me, and let us exalt the hallowed name together.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Discipleship is the journey from "give me" to "make me."
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Christians live under new conditions.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr

SermonStudio

Joshua's New Diet -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
What do you or your family pray at mealtime?
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.
A Happy Ending -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
A. A.
Reproach Rolled Away -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
After wandering in the wilderness 39 years, braving many dangers, toils, and snares, and after watch
Healing For The Past -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
Occasionally I hear a senior citizen complain, "I just can't remember names like I used to," or, "I

The Village Shepherd

God's Provision For Us -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
One of the problems inherent in visiting those in need of some sort, is knowing when to step back an

Stories

StoryShare

X Games -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally posted in 2007.Contents
Second Cutting -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Second Cutting” by David O. Bales
Petrified Forest -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Petrified Forest" by Frank Ramirez
Prodigal Parents -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Contents"Prodigal Parents" by John Sumwalt
A Crafty Dad -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Contents A Story to Live By: "A Crafty Dad"

Worship

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joshua 5:9-12Theme: Today I Have Taken Away Your Shame
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Israelites Celebrated Passover Before Entering The Promised Land
Supplies -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
With God's help we can! -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
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

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