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Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B

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Children's Activity

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One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Materials Pipe cleaners (white, iridescent, silver) Beads OR
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Teachers or Parents: The theme of healing continues this

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Perceiving new things in the kingdom of God -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Most brides and grooms don't seem to have much investment in the selection of scripture for the wedd
Yes! -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
A few months ago there were two different television commercials that both had to do with a fellow t
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.

Children's sermon

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Saying "Yes" to Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Is everyone happy?
One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. We are getting near the end of our season of Epiphany.
God says, "Yes" -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! I brought something good for you this morning!
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! Once Jesus healed a man who was a paralytic,

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 43:18-25
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Mark 2:1-12

Drama

SermonStudio

A Hiding Place -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Opening Up To Jesus -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
ThemeJesus fulfills all our needs.Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Harry was 89 when I... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Harry was 89 when I first met him.
In the mid-20th century... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
In the mid-20th century, Edgar A. Guest was a well-known verse-writer.
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, monitors the four stages identified i
Just as the paralytic's friends... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Just as the paralytic's friends came to his aid by bringing him to Jesus, so Paul Revere of Revoluti
The passage celebrates the incredible... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
The passage celebrates the incredible love and commitment of God to humanity and the sacrificial "Ye
There are few feelings as... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
There are few feelings as bad as realizing your dog has run away.
Before a product is put... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Before a product is put on the market it goes through rigorous testing.
On one occasion during his... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
On one occasion during his administration, President Herbert Hoover was receiving some particularly
The people who witnessed Jesus... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
The people who witnessed Jesus' healing work were often amazed, a sign that they did not recognize w
I'll heal him, but first... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"I'll heal him, but first fix the roof." This might have been one reaction of Jesus to this bizarre
Doug had gotten to the... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Doug had gotten to the point where he almost hated going to work.
I applied for ordination while... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
I applied for ordination while I was serving a small country church.
Most of us have had... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Most of us have had the experience of standing in the large room at an airport, waiting for our lugg
To vacillate or not to... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"To vacillate or not to vacillate; that is the question -- isn't it?" quipped Bruce Wallace.
In 1997, a man who... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
In 1997, a man who said that he was an exiled prince from Borneo announced at a United Nations confe
P, C)Are... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
L, M)There... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Almighty God Our Heavenly Father... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Andrew Daughters -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Four men came to Jesus,came bringing a friendwho was paralyzed. He could not walk.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Divine activity, demonstrable authority -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark here records Jesus' forgiveness of a paralytic as well as

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 41 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2006
This psalm is often identified as a prayer of individual thanksgiving but it reads more as a plea fo
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
Forgiveness Starts A Fight -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Miracle Four Forgiveness Starts A FightThe Text
The Miracle Of Forgiveness -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Paralytic
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
Epiphany 7 -- Psalm 41 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
The Jews are in exile in Babylon. Deutero-Isaiah sees hope in
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Healing The Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
1. Text

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Sermon

SermonStudio

Prayer Changes Things -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2015
Dr.
The Renewal Of Life -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
There once was a tree that lived happily in a big forest with many other trees.
Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Integrity: Words With Meaning -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
My yes means yes. -- 2 Corinthians 1:18b (NLT)
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Gift Of Positive Thinking -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
For generations the "power of positive thinking" has been touted throughout our land.
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
The Answer Waiting For A Question -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
A number of years ago some Christians placed bumper stickers on their vehicles stating, "Christ is t
ChristianOptimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman
Forever Plaid -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
A few years ago there was a popular off-Broadway musical which gave a good insight into how life was
Standing Room Only Religion And Roof Repair -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
I long have enjoyed this story of Jesus' healing of the paralytic.
Christian Optimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman to her
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
The Power Of A Rumor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Most sermons on this text deal with one of two things: either a detailed account about the four
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
With Friends Like This ... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Our sense of justice often causes us to insist that grace
And Now For Something Completely Different -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
At the end of a week-long retreat in a mountain camp setting a
Sometimes It's Okay To Be Absentminded -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Curtis Lewis -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
All of us have heard of the absent-minded professor.

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

The Village Shepherd

Get Up, And Live Life To The Full -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
They say the camera never lies, but that's no longer true, as the Royal Family proved on that

Stories

SermonStudio

The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
Yes! -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Yes!
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.

StoryShare

A Source Of Comfort -- Psalm 41:8, 10a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
ContentsSharing Stories: "A Source of Comfort" by Kendall W. Anderson

Worship

SermonStudio

God Of Mercy, Ever Blessing -- Psalm 41 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
1. God of mercy, ever blessing, Tending to each human need,
Theme: Get In The Game -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9) One:
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 43:18-19)
God's Forgiveness -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past."
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPIn Christ Jesus every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and evangels)

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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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