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1 John 4:7-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The God of Fruition -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to b
Getting It Right -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Someone has suggested a powerfully illuminating analogy.
Do You Understand? -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
“If you don’t know where you are going,” says an ancient source, “any road will get you there.”
Of jungles and gardens -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
After Margaret Mead, the world-renowned anthropologist, gave a presentation at a university, she hos
Extension cords -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Our family moved into a new house recently.
Love, American style -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
Do you remember the 1970s television show Love, American Style?
Roots -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
Years ago many of us were enthralled with Alex Haley's story, Roots.
Love is both tough and sensitive -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In Acts 8, 9, and 10 we have the stories of three conversions -- the unnamed eunuch from Ethiopia, t
Abide with me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
About the author
Leveraging the family genome -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Roman historian, Herodotus, told of the pride the Egyptians had in being the oldest

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

CSSPlus

Love that never runs out -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't it a wonderful day?
Brothers and sisters -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! How many of you have brothers and/or sisters
Love God by loving people -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
I brought today's newspaper because it tells me something
God is love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever thrown anyone a
Seeing better -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to test our eyesight.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 8:26-40

Drama

SermonStudio

Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy -- Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:9-17, Psalm 33 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2024) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2021) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2018) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2015) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 8:26-40
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh where she observed the humanitarian work being performed
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 8:26-40
Acts 8:26-40br... -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 8:26-40
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou ben-Adhem tells the story of a Muslim man who has a visit from a
The centrality of love in... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The centrality of love in the Christian message matches the proven need for love in human life.
Julian of Norwich believed that... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Julian of Norwich believed that "love" was the only word that could be used to describe God.
The text describes love itself... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The text describes love itself as the very image of God present in God's people.
A trip to a haunted... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
A trip to a haunted house recently turned into a lesson in love for two little six-year-old twin gir
Even before my son was... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
Even before my son was born, I loved him.
A missionary in Africa, describing... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
A missionary in Africa, describing the birth of Christ, told the people about God's love gift.
A good shoe will take... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
A good shoe will take on the unique form of the foot that wears it.
In the World Almanac, I... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In the World Almanac, I recently counted at least 152 different Christian denominations in the Unite
God's love is powerful indeed... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
God's love is powerful indeed, but it is not an isolated entity.

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhat God's love does to us. Collect of the Day
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 8:26-40 (C, E)
Christ is the vine and we are the branches. -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The life of faith, begun in baptism, remains alive if we stay close to Christ.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

I Love You, Too -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
When someone says, "I love you," the natural reply is, "I love you, too." If you're in a loving rela
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
Easy To Say; Hard To Do -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and ag
Love's Expectations -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John A. Stroman -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Our text expresses the heart of the Gospel: God's love for the world is revealed in the life of Jesu
Love And Friendship -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A boy was asked about his family, when he enrolled for church school.
God Is Love For a Child Trapped in a Fire -- Psalms 121, 1 John 4:7-21 -- Anthology
C. David Godshall

The Village Shepherd

Love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Some years ago I baptised a beautiful child.

Stories

StoryShare

New Coke, Old Vines -- John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Keith Hewitt, B. Kathleen Fannin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Contents"New Coke, Old Vines" by Keith Hewitt
Eunuch -- John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- David O. Bales, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Eunuch" by David O. Bales
Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was

Worship

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on 1 John 4:7-21. Leader: Love -- what is love?
Tell Me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPSeek the Sovereign of all nations. Praise God and be in good
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.

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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.)

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