Date: 10 Dec 2002
Time: 12:51:11
I have been trying to preach a series. The love and grace shown Mary. The love and grace shown Joseph. The love and grace shown the shepherds. And for Christmas Eve, The love and grace shown us.
Does anyone have any good ideas or stories about God's love and grace shown us? PH in OH
Date: 10 Dec 2002
Time: 15:14:46
We are having a multicultural service called "Joy to all the world!" Lots of different countries carols. I am interested to know how Muslims might celebrate Jesus birth as they know him as prophet. Any clues? Petereo.
Date: 15 Dec 2002
Time: 20:23:46
PH in OH. I like your theme. I was thinking of using an example of when I visited the Eifle Tower (sorry about the spelling). I was very excited to see it, and looked at it for all of, maybe, 20 minutes. It was hard to look at it longer than that. The novelty wore off, and we began to look at other things. I noticed this too, when we were at the ark du triumph. We saw a load of tourists get off a bus, and they could hardly walk away from the steps of the bus because they were busy taking pictures of, and being spellbound by, the monument. After 20 minutes not one person was looking at the monument any longer. They were all looking at the traffic and at the brochures regarding, I guess, the next place they were going to go. The fleeting pleasure of external things. They grab us for a moment. But their satisfying power is transitory. Christmas tempts us to find satisfaction in many things, but their gift to us is often transitory. The spiritual message of Christmas is that our true satisfaction, joy and peace are really found in the grace and love of God. It is an inside job. That's what I'm thinking of working on, and it regards love and grace offered, and gifted, to us. Brent in Pincher.
Date: 17 Dec 2002
Time: 06:27:34
Brent, I appreciate your story and will use it as an illustration. I have given a title to my Christmas Eve message, "A time to ponder." Your illustration ties in at the point that we look a the splendid creations of men and of women, and they hold our attention only briefly. When we encounter the creations of God as in the birth of our savior, we must take time to ponder without ever fully comprehending. In each encounter, Mary had with eternal forces at work in her world (Gabriel's announcement, shepherd's worship, Jesus' talking to the elders, she responded by wondering, pondering, and treasuring. What a difference this would make in our lives if we encountered the eternal in such a way that we were left wondering, pondering, and treasuring. TN Mack
Date: 17 Dec 2002
Time: 09:19:02
Going w/ haste is what we should do as disciples who listen to Jesus and who follow Him. Going with faith and trust yet not knowing all there is to know. The shepherds become models of movement and faith.....might be a way to look at it. priest in Iowa
Date: 18 Dec 2002
Time: 08:03:48
TN Mack. Regarding that story above, I was thinking that the time could have been 25-30 minutes, instead of 20. But definitely, after 30 minutes, no one was looking at the ark du triumph anymore. Another example that came to my mind was of a couple who told me they went on a 2 week cruise. They said "everybody" on the ship spent the first week saying how nice is was to be there, and the second week saying how much they were looking forward to going home. That is a lot of money to spend wishing you were back where you started. Brent in Pincher
Date: 19 Dec 2002
Time: 09:51:01
Our service is full of angels and candlelight. I am working on the idea that the gift is Jesus. It seems like Christmas is being taken over by lets all feel good and love each other, rather than acknowledging the gift of love. I am begining to dislike the term Happy Holiday's. I like being inclusive but as Christian we should be saying Happy Christmas! As my confirmation material says... Claim the Name. You don't hear muslim talking about ramedon (spelling bad) No they talk about their faith. enough sermonizing! Here is the very very rough draft. Nancy-Wis
The Gift Tag A work very much in progress……. We try to make Christmas too complicated. It really is quite simple. It is about a gift of love. It is about God coming to earth as a gift for humankind.
An angel appearing to the shephard and to all the people said explains it. 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 2:11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 2:12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
This night the gift is wrapped in bands of cloth, not pretty paper.
I like all of you love gifts. I love the bright packages under the tree. It never happens now, but as a child I love them so much I can't help but poke prod and read the gift tags, ever so excited when I found my name. My very own Nancy on the tag!
Date: 19 Dec 2002
Time: 21:53:09
I liked the language of swaddling clothes, or even swaddling cloths. Bands of cloth sounds like what one would put on a mummy! That is certainly not the picture to preach.
However, sometimes we do want to mummify the story. We hold it inside, stifle it...
A newborn baby, wrapped tightly (swaddled) in a blanket, yet the embodiment of God opening God's self to us, to sinners, to children in need.
Michelle
Date: 20 Dec 2002
Time: 08:42:03
And there were shepherds-
yes, there were shepherds, and no one seemed to like them very much. These were rough men with rough hands and rough ways. So rough were these men, that they were not even allowed in the synagogue. They worked long hours for litle pay. No one started out to be a shepherd, but by either by hard luck or even harder living, shepherds they had become.
I was doing pre-marital with a young couple that had come back from their new home in Mississippi. They had been warmly welcomed by a church there. Since it was a church in my denomination, I asked if they had met any of the pastors. They said that the only one they had met was the minister to outcasts. After a brief pause, I asked if maybe they meant the minister of outreach. They said, that, yes, that's who he was.
But as I think on night long ago, when the news was given to shepherds about the birth of a child for whom there was no room in the inn, whose parents will soon have to flee for the life of their son, the idea of a minister to outcasts sounds like something we should all be doing.
May each and every one have a blessed Christmas
Revgilmer in Texarkana
Date: 20 Dec 2002
Time: 09:07:39
JUst read the Presbyterian News post about life in Bethlehem- By order of the Israeli government, Bethlehem is under twenty-four hour curfew. People are allowed out of their homes only at intermittent and unannouced times. The university and the churches are mostly dark. One Christian leader says that he has been assured that there is an informal understanding that the churches will be allowed to open on Christmas DAy, but other Christain leaders say that there is no such understanding.
You would think, wouldn't you, that the birthplace of King David, the great king of Israel among whose descandants will come the Messiah according to Jewish faith, and the place where, according to our faith, the Messiah did come, would be treated more gently. The people of Bethlehem think that this is a purely political move, to portray Sharon as a hard-liner in the upcoming Israeli elections.
But was the Bethlehem of Jesus day any different-Mary and Joseph went because the emperor said so, the Romans were a constant presence, and Herod, was, well, Herod-a political opportunist with no moral values.
So it is not the place, but the person we come to see. For the Bethlehems of the world have never been safe places, but they have always been where hope is born anew.
revgilmer in texarkana
Date: 20 Dec 2002
Time: 17:57:23
There is an interesting webpage that will give some insight to Muslims and Jesus. Check it out at http://www.soundvision.com/Info/christmas/cjesusout.asp
Louisiana Bob
Date: 20 Dec 2002
Time: 19:37:23
On the UM worship site, there is a suggestion about Mary treasuring all these words and pondering them in her heart. That sometimes the gift isn't revealed at the giving. I am thinking along the lines of those Russian nesting dolls, where inside each doll is another doll to be revealed, that as we continue to "treasure and ponder" the good news we discover new gifts of mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, hope, peace, love and joy that were all part of the gift of Jesus all along.
OLAS
Date: 21 Dec 2002
Time: 07:38:00
I just started reading Courages Incarnation by Fredrica Harris Thompsett
On page 16-17 she writes, "This mutuality between God and humanity lies at the foundation of Anglican and Roman Catholic sacramental life... The courage envisioned here refers to God's initial courage in entering into the vulnerability and risk of human life, as well as to the courage of men and women seeking tol ive in the image of God. Even more so, I believe the Incarnation underscored the 'courageous' relationship intended and expressed when both divinity and humanity accept responsibility for bringing forth God's reign in today's world."
During the Great Thanksgiving Episcopalians pray "That Christ may dwell in us and we in him." We are the hands of Christ on Earth through our baptism into the one body. The body of God incarnate. We too bear responsibility, through Christ, to heal our world.
What does this mean for us as we contemplate the homeless? It's not God's problem, it's ours to heal with God's help and grace.
What does this mean for potential war with Iraq, or hopes for peace in the Middle East? It means I too have a responsibility in these conflicts. When we consider what is happening in Bethlehem, it is not their problem, or God's problem, it is my problem, because I am part of the Body of Christ. A God who took on the material of this earth and became part of the creation. A God who loves all aspects of his creation including Saddam Hussain, and George Bush, and Israelis, and Palestinians, and Americans. How do we claim what was begun in a stable? That baby was the first step to our involvement with all people and all of creation.
Rev. Steph in MD
Date: 21 Dec 2002
Time: 10:45:29
Folks here is my sermon for Christmas Eve. I have begged, borrowed, and stolen bits from some of you over the years; feel free to take and use parts or all of this if any of you are "truly desperate" for a sermon, and if this fits your thinking. I have written this along with a lay person doing the rhymes for me. Have fun! -Jeff in NY-
The Story of God
Christmas Eve, 2002 Year B
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our beautiful sanctuary is aglow tonight With the warmth of love and of candlelight. There are so many here; we each have our own story, Bound together - as family - to hear of the One born to glory.
We'll hear of Mary and Joseph and the Heavenly Choir, The shepherds, the wise men and all who desire To understand the mystery that explains God's love. How He blesses each one of us from His Home up above.
So let us begin as do all who believe With the Garden of Eden and with Adam and Eve. The Lord created our universe; Jesus set us free. The Lord is still creating a world of love - for you and for me.
The Bible says:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” (Jn. 1:1-3)
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day and the darkness he called Night.” (Gen. 1:1-5a)
“In him (who is the Word of God, there) was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:4-5)
When God created, He declared, "Let there be…" He formed the mountains, the plains and the raging sea. He created animals and plants, reptiles and fish, But He needed something more to fulfill His wish.
The Lord wanted fellowship with a God-like mind. He made man in His image and then He assigned Man the authority to rule the fish and the livestock and the birds in the air. The Lord created us all with His love and His care.
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” (Gen. 1:24-26)
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31)
God was pleased with all He had done, The universe, the earth, the moon and the sun. But you may wonder, "What does He think of me?" Does He think I'm good as I was meant to be?
Does He have a plan? Is there meaning to my life? Should I go on against adversity and struggle with strife? Be assured! The answer is, yes you should. The Lord spoke when you were born. "This is very good!"
The Psalmist says it this way: Psalm 8 1 O LORD, our LORD, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you have set in place— 4 what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? 5 For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. 6 You put us in charge of everything you made, — 7 the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, 8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. 9 O LORD, our LORD, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
God created the world; everything was fine. But He gave Adam and Eve a choice; they decided to dine On the only thing forbidden; they fell from grace, The Perfect Garden now - a prohibited place.
Later their first born, a boy named Cain, Because of his anger, his brother was slain. Some refer to this as the fall of man. Was it really just a part of the father's plan?
He tried to teach of everyone's worth. Watch over your brother and everyone on earth. Are we still responsible for our sister, our brother. We surely must be! We're to love one another.
14So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you will be punished. . . . You will grovel in the dust as long as you live, crawling along on your belly. 15From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” 16Then he said to the woman, “You will bear children with intense pain and suffering. And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master.” 17And to Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. 18It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. 19All your life you will sweat to produce food, until your dying day. Then you will return to the ground from which you came. For you were made from dust, and to the dust you will return.” 22Then the LORD God said, “The people have become as we are, knowing everything, both good and evil. What if they eat the fruit of the tree of life? Then they will live forever!” 23So the LORD God banished Adam and his wife from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. 24 (portions of Gen. 3:8-24)
God's heart was broken; Man had gone astray. Can we bridge the gap? Is it still with us today? Is fellowship with God only a dream from the past? Is our suffering forever, destined to last?
What is meant to be? Should we live in fear? Is there a balm? Is the Lord truly here? Is there a way back to Eden - to fellowship with God? Or Has He given up because our lives are flawed? Psalm 130 A SONG OF DEGREES. 1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
When we feel so helpless, when we're lost and alone, Will anyone listen? Am I on my own? Will He make a difference if I call His name Or will He reject and rebuke me for my sinful shame?
I tend to be sinful - to hurt the ones I love. Can I be saved from myself by my Father above? The Psalmist was wise; he caused me to wonder. Could the Lord save my soul from being torn asunder?
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah
(Hymn Lyrics: #202, vs. 1 People Look East) OR (Hymn Lyrics: #195, vs. Send Your Word)
I hear the promise and I believe it is true, But isn't there something that I must do? How will I know when God's help is here? Will I hear a trumpet? Will it be clear
That God is with me - right by my side From morn to noon to eventide. Perhaps the Psalmist will tell us what to do. Let's listen as he speaks to me and to you.
The Psalmist finishes his song:
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah (Psalm 24: 3-10)
God, our Creator, will come to earth someday. What shall I wear? What shall I say? He's to walk with us and talk to us and tell us we are His own. How shall we act when we are with the Greatest One ever known?
The Prophet Isaiah says, “3The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 9O Zion, that brings good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that brings good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:35, 9-11)
(Hymn Lyrics: #206, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light)
Come quickly my Savior! I'm suffering and in pain. Please don't delay - for I will sin again. I know my shortcomings; I need a guide, A book of laws to help me decide
Exactly what my Lord wants me to do. Give me the rules - I'll try to be true. I want to be in the Garden once more, In the presence of my Lord - the One I adore.
(Exodus 20:1-17) 1And God spoke all these words: 3“You shall have no other gods before me. 4“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 7“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. 12“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 13“You shall not murder. 14“You shall not commit adultery. 15“You shall not steal. 16“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Finally, God has laid down the rules; they're very clear. We will be saved if we only adhere. Perhaps we try to please God by being good. By resisting temptation and living as we should.
But still we fall short; it isn't enough. The more we try - the going gets tough. We do just the opposite of what we intend. We need a Savior, a Guide, a Friend.
19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the offsping should come to whom the promise was made; 24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
(Hymn Lyrics: #184, Of the Father’s Love Begotten)
Praise the Lord! He sent us His Son. New hope for mankind - our salvation begun. He saved us from sin; He said I forgive. He exemplified the Perfect Way to live.
He gave us hope; He brought us back to God. His love we cherish; His example we laud. If we truly believe, we have eternal life. He saved us from the specter of everlasting strife.
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:14)
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:8-20)
(Hymn lyrics: O Little Town of Bethlehem, #230)
16And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:16-17)
(Hymn Lyrics: #250, vs. 2, Once in Royal David’s City)
And so, once again this Christmas, we celebrate The coming of our Lord, our chance to validate Our love for the One who died for our sin, The One who allows us to be like we've never been.
What difference does this make in the world today Where terror strikes unexpected? Is He still the way? We still have His promise; He's with us right now. The Lord is forever and so is His vow.
He cares for each of us - like a daughter or son. He forgives our sins and the wrong we have done. He fills us with peace, with joy and with love If we simply believe in our Father above.
He wants us - each of us - to help spread the Word So tell everyone His story - until all have heard. If we all serve the Lord, we can change mankind. We can live once more in the Garden and leave our sins behind.
God is the light - the great illumination. He sent us His Son to brighten the hearts of the nation. So tonight as we gather with the ones we love. We humbly give out thanks to the One above.
O Come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to Thee, oh Israel!
O come desire of nations bind All peoples in one heart and mind. From dust thou brought us forth to life; Deliver us from earthly strife.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to Thee, oh Israel!
Date: 22 Dec 2002
Time: 07:02:43
We have a terrifying responsibiility as we come close to the liturgies for the Incarnation. We are being asked to speak to our peoples hearts.
This is a different kind of Christmas, one that many of the middle aged to younger generation know nothing about, for we are a people positioning for war. We some how are going to be, in a variety of way, trying to say something about the Prince of Peace in a nation determined to do unto our enemy what we don't want them to do unto us.
This season speaks about small things, insignificant things, common, peasant peoples, and here we are, most of us, in rich communities with our manger scenes unable to relate to this nomadic family being dominated by a nations decree!
So we have the war as an issue. How do we preach?
Then there are the other concerns - the poor within our cities and communities, our homebound and sick and dying; the lonely, the depressed, the unloved.
So how do we preach to them?
Christmas is no time for simply family memories, they will come no matter what, Christ will come no matter what, but how to we lift the eyes of our people away from the tinsel power of nations, away from the rejection or indifference to the poor, to the quiet truth that is born in a smelly stable/cave filled with the dung of animals?
tom in ga
Date: 22 Dec 2002
Time: 10:07:21
The stable certainly was smelly, but probably not filled with dung. For good health of the animals, the keepers would usually clear the waste out at least once a day.
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 08:47:17
I think you're right that the place was not filled with dung, though the smell of a bit of dung would be unavoidable. According to Ken Bailey, a biblical scholar who lived in the middle East for 30 years, the "stable" was not separated from the rest of the living quarters, it was the downstairs area with an elevated platform of stone for people and a dirt floor area for animals to be brought in at night. The word translated "inn" is kataluma which is used by Luke another time, Luke 22:11, and translated either "guest room," or "upper room." Joseph was from Bethlehem, his family lived there, and according to Dr. Bailey, they would have been housed with family. There was no room in the guest room, upstairs, so they were put downstairs (the word "stable" is not in the text.) The manger was an indentation carved out in the stone platform. The translation "inn" for "guestroom" is probably a medieval to 15th century western European and British idea that influenced the earliest English translations.
Neill in TX
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 09:25:08
Michelle - actually, based on a special Life Magazine several years ago about "rites of passage" and transitions, there was a picture from the middle east of a (live) baby wrapped mummy-like. It's the way they swaddle them - not a blanket, but bands of cloth. Ever since then, I picture THAT baby as the baby Jesus. I have no idea how the parents changed the diapers, but I promise you, except that the head was exposed, the baby was wrapped like a mummy.
Sally in GA
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 09:38:35
I'm keeping it simple, down-to-earth. I am still puzzled over what I'm going to do specifically, though. I've decided that this, the first Christmas Eve service in this church in over 10 years, will be an "informal" worship service in the hopes that no one will feel like they have to dress up in order to attend. We also will have to use the stereo to play some music (I'd love to use Manheim Steamroller), and I'm hoping to include the worshipers as more active participants.
I like the idea of gift tags - simple enough to purchase or make them for each worshiper, or maybe that could be the bulletin - a gift tag ... hmmm.
Thinking out loud. Any more suggestions? I also intend to remind folks, as I did yesterday, that although we have this Courrier and Ives view of hearth and home Christmases, the reason for the season was because NO ONE was home! It's part of the whole reason for celebration - that our Lord was born in a barn. (and it's the cause of some serious judgmentalism on my part). Does anyone else have this problem - trying to talk people into WORSHIPING on Christmas Eve because of their devotion, and not because they have an hour to spare from Santa Clausing or family visiting?
Sally in GA
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 15:46:45
I was a pediatric intensive care nurse for 21 years before I went into this form of ministry.
Two thought on this Christmas eve. One is about swaddling. It is similare to what we called bundling. We did it mostly with drug babies because they were so disorganized neurologically that they didn't eat well. If we wrapped them tightly so that their arms and legs didn't flail, then they seemed better at concentrating on the nourishment in front of them. So that they could concentrate on what was life giving instead of burning all their energy to no prupose. Works well with any irritable babies. But I am thinking that most of our lives are so disorganized that maybe we need some swaddling so that we can concentrate on what is life giving and stop wasting our energy flailing arould.
Number two is a story from a Christmas eve6 years ago. It was my last Christmas eve as a night nurse. I came in around 11:00 for an 11:15 shift. I got there a little early because the nurse I was relieving was singing at midnight mass a t his church. He was dressed in a tux when I got their. They were singing in formal attire. He quickly gave me report and then left.
The next time I saw him he told me this story: He had gotten out of his scrubs and into his tux and then did one last check of the baby he was caring for and changed his diaper one more time.
About halfway into the anthem that night as he held up his music, he noticed a smell. He looked at his ruffled sleeve and there was baby poop on it.
He was mortified. But I told him that Luther said there was no higher good deed than the changing of diapers. there was no more fragrant gift to the Lord that Christmas.
When Mary sings about lifting up the lowly. It is not about making them rich and important like those that have been cast down. It is about lifting up the everyday life of simple and caring people and lifting up what is life giving. It is about lifting up the power of love over the power of coercion.
I'm not sure where my sermon is going with this. Just some thoughts. mspastor in RI
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 16:14:42
Looking for input -- I too am concerned about the posturing for war, among the general unrest. Today I was inspired to look for a song I heard long ago, Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon. It is about a true event in World War I, 1914. I have also been touched about the story about the birds thumping against the window and the man trying to lead them to safety who wished "he could be one of them for just a few moments and tell them of the warmth and safety in the barn just a short distance away." At Christmas we remember how God came to be among us. This Christmas Eve we are hoping for some word (Word!) to come to us to change us forever, like the shepherds that first Christmas, the soldiers in the war, the man with the birds. This is the rough idea. Here are the words to the song if anyone else would like to use them. I would like to play the song just before the sermon. My concern, is it too "heavy" for Christmas Eve when everyone wants to just hear pretty stories -- and should it matter? Any last minute desparate preachers out there who can offer their opinion? ?Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon
My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool. Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school. To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here I fought for King and country I love dear. 'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung, The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung Our families back in England were toasting us that day Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear As one young German voice sang out so clear. "He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more As Christmas brought us respite from the war As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent The next they sang was "Stille Nacht." "Tis 'Silent Night'," says I And in two tongues one song filled up that sky "There's someone coming toward us!" the front line sentry cried All sights were fixed on one long figure trudging from their side His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shown on that plain so bright As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home These sons and fathers far away from families of their own Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more With sad farewells we each prepared to settle back to war But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night "Whose family have I fixed within my sights?" 'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter hung The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame And on each end of the rifle we're the same
İİ 1984 John McCutcheon - All rights reserved
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 16:32:34
Hey gang -- I haven't participated much in this discussion ... but my sermon is done. I've "hung" it on the internet, but it's not yet linked from the parish website. Here's the URL:
http://www.stfrancis-ks.org/subpages/bsermons/christmas-b-rcl-2002.html
Christmas Blessings to all, Eric in KS
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 17:58:11
I write a Children's story every year for Christmas. I wasn't able to get it on the children's page, but here is this year's offering:
Shari didn’t think it would be a very nice Christmas. In fact, she didn’t really feel like Christmas at all, and rather pouted and sulked most of her way through Advent. For her, Christmas meant going over to Grandpa’s house, listening to his stories about Christmas, “when I was a kid” – long strolls in the forest in snow as high as your knees, finding the perfect tree, and coming back to his mom’s Christmas cookies and steamy hot chocolate. And they would eat Christmas cookies too, that Grandpa had baked, until they had spoiled their appetite, as mom would say – except it didn’t really. For when mom brought out the ham, and yams, and soft, fresh rolls smelling of yeast, who wouldn’t be hungry again?
After dinner, the family would gather in the living room, in front of the fireplace, and listen as Grandpa told the Christmas story, from when the angel told Mary she was going to have a baby, right up to the point where the wise men came, following the star. Right then, Grandpa would stop, and put his old, worn Bible down, and quietly walk over to the tree, and open a box beneath it. Everyone knew what was in that box. All the decorations had been put up on the tree the week before, except for one: an old, silver star, with a light right in the middle of it. Dad said that Grandpa bought it right after he got home from the war, right before Christmas. He had been wounded in the war and sent home, and showed up on Christmas Eve with the box in his hand, with the star in it, presented it to Grandma, and asked her to marry him. Grandma was gone now – Shari didn’t even remember her, really. But dad said she was always a lot of fun and a real “Christmas person.” And Grandpa became a Christmas person, keeping carefully all the rituals of the family as if they connected him a little more closely to her.
Shari, at eight years old, didn’t understand all of this, but she did treasure that moment when Grandpa would untie the ribbon around the old, beat-up box, open the lid and take out the shiny star, cradling it in his hands like a priceless gem, then reverently place it atop the tree. “The star,” he would say, “showed the wise men the way to Bethlehem. It showed them the way to Jesus. As long as they followed the star, they knew they would find God’s Son, and everything would be all right.” As they all sang, “Silent Night,” Grandpa would reflect on how Grandma was that star to him, and as long as he could remember, and as long as he held these things in his heart, it kept him close to her. And Grandpa was Shari’s star, the center of it all – of Christmas – for her.
Which was why this Christmas was so hard for her. Grandpa had fallen a couple of times this past year, and sometimes forgot things. He finally decided he needed to be somewhere else, where he didn’t need to worry about falling, or forgetting, where there were doctors and nurses and people to take care of things you might otherwise forget. Shari didn’t like visiting him there – it wasn’t like his home. Even though there was a fireplace in the parlor, and the people were friendly, it just wasn’t like Grandpa’s place. And now, at Christmas time, it was especially hard. Shari felt that Christmas just couldn’t happen without him there, baking cookies, reading the Christmas story, putting the star on the tree, and singing “Silent Night.”
Christmas Eve came, and the whole family went to church. The choir sang “O Holy Night,” and the pastor gave a sermon, and everyone lit their candles, just as they always had done. But Shari didn’t sing. She didn’t hear the pastor’s sermon. And when he read the Christmas story, she cried, because she could only think of Grandpa reading it.
When they got home, and Shari entered the door of their house, the smell of fresh-baked cookies was in the air. Excitedly, she ran to the kitchen, expecting to find Grandpa there. But it was only mom. She thought the smell of cookies would brighten Shari up. But it only made her sadder. So sad that she had no appetite for the ham, and yams – no, not even for the fresh rolls or cherry pie. Afterwards, dad read the Christmas story, and placed an ornament on the top of the tree – a new one, an angel. The star, dad said, was so old and fragile, he was afraid it might break, and they wanted to keep it as a remembrance, so they could always keep those Christmases with Grandpa in their hearts. “It just isn’t right,” Shari said. “I know,” dad said. “We are all a little sad this Christmas. But we’re going to go see Grandpa tomorrow.”
Shari thought about these things, and about Grandpa, old and frail, just like that star. Then she brightened up a bit. “Can I bring Grandpa a present?” she asked. “Of course – but there isn’t much time, so you’ll have to make him something, I guess,” mom said. “I know exactly what I want to give him, and I have it already!” Shari said. Then she sat down, and drew a lovely Christmas card for Grandpa – a card with a tree on it, and a family in front of a fireplace, singing “Silent Night.” And then she wrote in it, “Merry Christmas,” and signed it, “love, Shari.” She thought about writing, “your grand daughter,” after that, but then thought better of that – “Grandpa knows who I am,” she thought, and laughed.
When they walked into the retirement home, it was all decorated for Christmas. A tree stood near the door, in the lobby by the receptionist’s table, with lights and decorations on it. Wreaths were hung on the walls, and the friendly receptionist waved to them. “He’s been waiting for you all morning!” she said cheerfully. They went to Grandpa’s room, down the hall, where he was, indeed, waiting for them, all dressed, with his red and black flannel shirt on, and a button on it that said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” “They gave us these at a Christmas party last night,” Grandpa said. “It was real nice. They even had ham and yams and rolls, just like home.” Then he frowned a bit, “The cookies weren’t as good as mine, though.” And everyone laughed.
Shari had been waiting patiently for a break in the conversation, but now came up and whispered in his ear, “I brought something for you.” Grandpa smiled, “Really? A present? Did you make it yourself?” “Come and see,” she whispered excitedly. And with that, she took him by the hand, and led him down the hall, down past the other rooms where families were visiting with parents and grandparents, down to the lobby, past the receptionist, to the Christmas tree, standing there with an odd assortment of ornaments dangling from its branches. Then she turned to Grandpa and said, “It needs something.” Grandpa looked at the tree and laughed, “It certainly does – it’s not quite like the one at home!” Then Shari brought out her card, and Grandpa read it, and said, “It’s beautiful, honey – and look, just like our Christmases at home.” Then he studied the card a little more closely, and frowned a bit. “Except you forgot something – the star – there’s no star on the tree.” “I didn’t forget it Grandpa,” Shari whispered. Then she brought out an old, tattered box, with a ribbon around it, and handed it to Grandpa. “I thought maybe you could put it on the tree for us.”
And that’s what Grandpa did. He told them the Christmas story once again – about Joseph, and Mary, and Jesus. About how they had to move, just like he did, and about how Christmas happened anyway, because Christmas was a gift from God. And he told them about the wise men, who came to see Jesus, just like Shari and her parents came to see him. And how a star led them to Jesus, so that they could experience Christmas. He remembered it – the whole story - even without his Bible. Then he took the box, and untied the string, and took out the old, shiny star. He put it right on the top of the tree. And he remembered Grandma, and how she was the star that always led him to Jesus. And, as they sang Silent Night, they could hear other voices down the hall singing, too:
“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright ‘Round yon virgin, mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild! Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!”
“It was bright that night, because of the star,” Grandpa said. “The star always leads you home. It always leads you to Jesus.” It led Grandpa home to Grandma. And now, as it shone from the top of the Christmas tree, it also led Shari home to Grandpa, and to Christmas once again.
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 17:58:17
I write a Children's story every year for Christmas. I wasn't able to get it on the children's page, but here is this year's offering:
Shari didn’t think it would be a very nice Christmas. In fact, she didn’t really feel like Christmas at all, and rather pouted and sulked most of her way through Advent. For her, Christmas meant going over to Grandpa’s house, listening to his stories about Christmas, “when I was a kid” – long strolls in the forest in snow as high as your knees, finding the perfect tree, and coming back to his mom’s Christmas cookies and steamy hot chocolate. And they would eat Christmas cookies too, that Grandpa had baked, until they had spoiled their appetite, as mom would say – except it didn’t really. For when mom brought out the ham, and yams, and soft, fresh rolls smelling of yeast, who wouldn’t be hungry again?
After dinner, the family would gather in the living room, in front of the fireplace, and listen as Grandpa told the Christmas story, from when the angel told Mary she was going to have a baby, right up to the point where the wise men came, following the star. Right then, Grandpa would stop, and put his old, worn Bible down, and quietly walk over to the tree, and open a box beneath it. Everyone knew what was in that box. All the decorations had been put up on the tree the week before, except for one: an old, silver star, with a light right in the middle of it. Dad said that Grandpa bought it right after he got home from the war, right before Christmas. He had been wounded in the war and sent home, and showed up on Christmas Eve with the box in his hand, with the star in it, presented it to Grandma, and asked her to marry him. Grandma was gone now – Shari didn’t even remember her, really. But dad said she was always a lot of fun and a real “Christmas person.” And Grandpa became a Christmas person, keeping carefully all the rituals of the family as if they connected him a little more closely to her.
Shari, at eight years old, didn’t understand all of this, but she did treasure that moment when Grandpa would untie the ribbon around the old, beat-up box, open the lid and take out the shiny star, cradling it in his hands like a priceless gem, then reverently place it atop the tree. “The star,” he would say, “showed the wise men the way to Bethlehem. It showed them the way to Jesus. As long as they followed the star, they knew they would find God’s Son, and everything would be all right.” As they all sang, “Silent Night,” Grandpa would reflect on how Grandma was that star to him, and as long as he could remember, and as long as he held these things in his heart, it kept him close to her. And Grandpa was Shari’s star, the center of it all – of Christmas – for her.
Which was why this Christmas was so hard for her. Grandpa had fallen a couple of times this past year, and sometimes forgot things. He finally decided he needed to be somewhere else, where he didn’t need to worry about falling, or forgetting, where there were doctors and nurses and people to take care of things you might otherwise forget. Shari didn’t like visiting him there – it wasn’t like his home. Even though there was a fireplace in the parlor, and the people were friendly, it just wasn’t like Grandpa’s place. And now, at Christmas time, it was especially hard. Shari felt that Christmas just couldn’t happen without him there, baking cookies, reading the Christmas story, putting the star on the tree, and singing “Silent Night.”
Christmas Eve came, and the whole family went to church. The choir sang “O Holy Night,” and the pastor gave a sermon, and everyone lit their candles, just as they always had done. But Shari didn’t sing. She didn’t hear the pastor’s sermon. And when he read the Christmas story, she cried, because she could only think of Grandpa reading it.
When they got home, and Shari entered the door of their house, the smell of fresh-baked cookies was in the air. Excitedly, she ran to the kitchen, expecting to find Grandpa there. But it was only mom. She thought the smell of cookies would brighten Shari up. But it only made her sadder. So sad that she had no appetite for the ham, and yams – no, not even for the fresh rolls or cherry pie. Afterwards, dad read the Christmas story, and placed an ornament on the top of the tree – a new one, an angel. The star, dad said, was so old and fragile, he was afraid it might break, and they wanted to keep it as a remembrance, so they could always keep those Christmases with Grandpa in their hearts. “It just isn’t right,” Shari said. “I know,” dad said. “We are all a little sad this Christmas. But we’re going to go see Grandpa tomorrow.”
Shari thought about these things, and about Grandpa, old and frail, just like that star. Then she brightened up a bit. “Can I bring Grandpa a present?” she asked. “Of course – but there isn’t much time, so you’ll have to make him something, I guess,” mom said. “I know exactly what I want to give him, and I have it already!” Shari said. Then she sat down, and drew a lovely Christmas card for Grandpa – a card with a tree on it, and a family in front of a fireplace, singing “Silent Night.” And then she wrote in it, “Merry Christmas,” and signed it, “love, Shari.” She thought about writing, “your grand daughter,” after that, but then thought better of that – “Grandpa knows who I am,” she thought, and laughed.
When they walked into the retirement home, it was all decorated for Christmas. A tree stood near the door, in the lobby by the receptionist’s table, with lights and decorations on it. Wreaths were hung on the walls, and the friendly receptionist waved to them. “He’s been waiting for you all morning!” she said cheerfully. They went to Grandpa’s room, down the hall, where he was, indeed, waiting for them, all dressed, with his red and black flannel shirt on, and a button on it that said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” “They gave us these at a Christmas party last night,” Grandpa said. “It was real nice. They even had ham and yams and rolls, just like home.” Then he frowned a bit, “The cookies weren’t as good as mine, though.” And everyone laughed.
Shari had been waiting patiently for a break in the conversation, but now came up and whispered in his ear, “I brought something for you.” Grandpa smiled, “Really? A present? Did you make it yourself?” “Come and see,” she whispered excitedly. And with that, she took him by the hand, and led him down the hall, down past the other rooms where families were visiting with parents and grandparents, down to the lobby, past the receptionist, to the Christmas tree, standing there with an odd assortment of ornaments dangling from its branches. Then she turned to Grandpa and said, “It needs something.” Grandpa looked at the tree and laughed, “It certainly does – it’s not quite like the one at home!” Then Shari brought out her card, and Grandpa read it, and said, “It’s beautiful, honey – and look, just like our Christmases at home.” Then he studied the card a little more closely, and frowned a bit. “Except you forgot something – the star – there’s no star on the tree.” “I didn’t forget it Grandpa,” Shari whispered. Then she brought out an old, tattered box, with a ribbon around it, and handed it to Grandpa. “I thought maybe you could put it on the tree for us.”
And that’s what Grandpa did. He told them the Christmas story once again – about Joseph, and Mary, and Jesus. About how they had to move, just like he did, and about how Christmas happened anyway, because Christmas was a gift from God. And he told them about the wise men, who came to see Jesus, just like Shari and her parents came to see him. And how a star led them to Jesus, so that they could experience Christmas. He remembered it – the whole story - even without his Bible. Then he took the box, and untied the string, and took out the old, shiny star. He put it right on the top of the tree. And he remembered Grandma, and how she was the star that always led him to Jesus. And, as they sang Silent Night, they could hear other voices down the hall singing, too:
“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright ‘Round yon virgin, mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild! Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!”
“It was bright that night, because of the star,” Grandpa said. “The star always leads you home. It always leads you to Jesus.” It led Grandpa home to Grandma. And now, as it shone from the top of the Christmas tree, it also led Shari home to Grandpa, and to Christmas once again.
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 18:22:28
Sorry about the "double contribution." I'm having trouble with my computer - it says I haven't posted!
Gary in New Bern standrew@coastalnet.com
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 18:28:13
Here is my message for Christmas eve. My thanks to all of you. If there is anything you wish to use please do so. May the blessed Miracle of Christmas be yours! The Gift Tag - Under the tree the packages were wrapped in bright paper! Each with their own gift tag so that all would know who the package was to and from. As a young girl, those gift tags were pretty important. When we were sure no one was watching, my sister and I would check out each gift and read the all important gift tag. At Christmas we counted up how many presents each person had and speculated on their contents, not to mention shaking a few of our own presents. It was always a great joy to find our names on those gift tags.
Tonight we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He comes wrapped in swaddling clothes and his gift box is a manger of straw. His gift tag is an angel.
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
The angel by naming us in the phrase "for all the people", is just like that gift tag it has my name on it and It has your name on it as well. We don't need to shake this present, or ponder its contents, God surpasses even our imagination with this Christmas gift he tells us what is inside.
2:11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
What we do with the gift remains our choice, our free will. Will we try to stand in line at Target and return it or accept it.
Many of our well-loved gifts have multiple purposes in our lives. The teddy bear that entertains, also comforts. The doll that talks also listens to our confidences. The truck that goes places carries us forward into the world, as well as the many childhood cargos. Building blocks make mighty towers that teach us about firm foundations and what happens when those foundations are not built well.
The gift of love that God has presented us with in Jesus is similar to those gifts, the Jesus we love as a child, comforts us as an adult. The Jesus that teaches, provides a firm foundation, the Jesus that speaks for Justice and mercy, gives us a strong ethical base for law and the order of society. The Jesus that dies on a cross, gives rise to our eternal life. Scripture says knock and the door will open, ask and you shall receive. A young boy named Misha, in a true story titled "For Always" accepted the gift of Jesus.
In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage.
About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words: "It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear-for the first time-the traditional story of Christmas.
We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.
Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.
Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.
The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat--he looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger.
Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at his completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously.
For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately--until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.
Then Misha started to ad lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay.
I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did.
But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift.
So I asked Jesus, `If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?'" And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me."
"So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him---for always."
As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.
The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him--for always.
The gift tag, says "For all people". Will you accept God's gift to you?
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 18:30:28
Opps! the Gift Tag is my work with all of your help. Nancy-Wi
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 18:33:38
Oops for me -- the Christmas in the Trenches question is mine. Any input? Linda in NJ
Date: 23 Dec 2002
Time: 22:18:37
Thanks Eric for your Christmas Eve message. You put a lot of work into bringing together a variety of thoughtful and honest points. Merry Christmas. Brent in Pincher
Date: 24 Dec 2002
Time: 04:44:42
Thanks, Brent.
Have a happy Christmas, everyone.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 24 Dec 2002
Time: 08:57:21
If there are any other desperate preachers out there, I found a great sermon that has a message for current believers and pre-believers alike. Many elements fit my situations exactly!
Sally
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/b-ch00-adams.html
Date: 24 Dec 2002
Time: 09:04:40
Thank you all for your contributions! I'm in much more of a time crunch than I've ever remembered, and the creative process just couldn't be forced. Thanks to you all, I can "get over" my beef and preach with grace.
I'm not one who has a big problem with so-called Hallmark Christmases. What I have a beef about is that Hallmark Christmas can overtake the church Christmas and this Christmas ideal we have is really quite counter to the gospel message. Yet, there is such an insistence from the congregations I've served that there is simply no time for worship.
On a bright note, I just got a phone call asking if we had Christmas services tonight! Maybe we'll have a couple guests.
Of course, our musician and substitute musician are out of town ... sigh* God has put me in some interesting places.
Eric - loved your examples of transformation. I'm showing my generation, but it's the Grinch and Charlie Brown's friends.
So, to the Charlie Browns of the world - Merry Christmas!
Sally in GA (see ya next week, as I'm not preaching this week)!
Date: 24 Dec 2002
Time: 15:06:26
Sally in GA,
I realize this is late (I'm using these texts for Christmas day), but I wanted to thank you for the image of the swaddled baby. It will fit into my sermon very well.
Michelle
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:25 PM
previous 1999
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:26 PM
previous 1999
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:27 PM
previous 1999
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:28 PM
previous 1999
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:29 PM
previous 1999
Date: 5/28/2003
Time: 2:21:30 PM
previous 1999