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1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Still in the World -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14 -- David Coffin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
It is early morning as a pastor opens up one of the small churches served in a multi congregational
After The Big Event -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- David Coffin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
It is about one year after the big 150th anniversary at First Church.
The lion roars -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Encratis lived in Portugal, but her father had given her in marriage to a nobleman in Roussillon, Fr
Glory in the cross -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Constantine Caesar was advancing his legions through the northern Italian mountains toward Rome.
Invisible link -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Now and again, one of my students will come into class and I'll greet her or him, but get
Glory in the cross -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Constantine Caesar was advancing his legions through the northern Italian mountains toward Rome.
Goal-oriented prayer and preaching -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
People have been known to listen to profound preaching of the biblical message and come out of churc
You are not alone -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1996
Janus, one of the gods, looked both ways (hence: January).

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
For May 21, 2023:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.

CSSPlus

Burdens eased -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (v. 7)
Holding us up -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has
Casting our concerns -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Hi, kids! Who can tell me what it means to cast something?
Facing the lion -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning! Let's think about some things that might scare
Blanket theology -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning! Many people are anxious. Would somebody here
Not surprised! -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning, boys and girls.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 7 -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Discipline yourselves, keep alert.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2023) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2020) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2017) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 7 (2014) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Acts 1:6-14
Sir Winston Churchill... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Sir Winston Churchill, the great British politician, is one of the most quoted men in history.
NULL -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Jordan's extended family is huge: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-cousins, the spouses of
NULL -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Novelist Sue Miller also has written a biography titled The Story of My Father: A Memoir.
NULL -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Image is everything these days. Consider Hollywood.
Many Christians in Germany suffered... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Many Christians in Germany suffered for resisting the idolatry of Nazism. Theologian
Unconventional! Crazy! Unworkable! That's probably... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
"Unconventional! Crazy! Unworkable!" That's probably what Peter thought the first time
I believe the writer here... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
I believe the writer here is pointing out that persecution is inevitable. It is not easy to be a
Acts 1:6-14 Ben... -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Acts 1:6-14
Kathleen is a miracle in... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Kathleen is a miracle in progress. At the age of 10 she developed juvenile diabetes.
Lying there in the cell... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Lying there in the cell it seemed like he would never be free again.
Some frogs were hopping through... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Some frogs were hopping through the woods. Suddenly, two of them fell into a large hole.
On the cross, Jesus encountered... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
On the cross, Jesus encountered both terrible physical pain and extreme emotional pain.
Peter had been at a... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Peter had been at a loss. His wife's paycheck didn't stretch to make their payments.
Today in Sudan, Africa's largest... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Today in Sudan, Africa's largest country, Christians face severe persecution.
Intense anxiety can cripple us... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Intense anxiety can cripple us.
There is a story about... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
There is a story about a wise old rabbi sitting by the side of the road.
In October 1994, 53 members... -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1996
In October 1994, 53 members of a religious cult in Switzerland died when they burned down the chalet

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
For May 21, 2023:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
For May 21, 2023:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus is willing to help us bear the burden of worry.
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6--14 (C); Acts 1:12--14 (RC); Acts 1:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6-14 (C); Acts 1:(1-7), 8-14 (E, L); Acts 1:12-14 (RC)
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
For May 21, 2023:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.

SermonStudio

Surprises -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
You hope for good surprises, but many of life's surprises are the bad kind.
A Holy--wood Ending -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particu
Surprised By Suffering? -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- 2001
Belva Plain wrote about a battered housewife back when our national conscience was awaking to the se
A Time to Answer: Where Do You Live? -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Where do you live? It's a question we ask sometimes. Where's your home? Where are you from?

The Village Shepherd

Cast All Your Anxiety Upon Him -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
I've worked with a number of priests in my time, and often wondered how some of them are able to

Stories

StoryShare

Intimacy -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Contents "Intimacy" by C. David McKirachan
Looking In Faith -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, John Fitzgerald -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Contents"Looking in Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
The God Of All Grace -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Contents"The God of All Grace" by John Sumwalt
Wayne's Deployment -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- John S. Smylie, Argile Smith, Charles D. Reeb -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Blessing Or Bane? -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace, who has called you to his etern
The Sewage Pit -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
I was at a Michael Card concert many years ago, enjoying the message and the music of this fine musi

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
For May 21, 2023:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.

SermonStudio

Easter 7 -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
As we move between the festivals of Ascension and Pentecost we are reminded on this day of the on
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: The hour has come to worship our God,
Waiting Together -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts: 1:7-8)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsHail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Power Of God To OvercomeCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:6-14Theme: Angels?Call To Worship
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- B. David Hostetter -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
EASTER 7 -- Psalm 68:1-10, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The theme of "Power and Glory" permeates these six readings, as is appropriate on this Sunday After
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!

Special Occasion

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