Christmas Eve/Day
December 24/25

With thanks to page sponsor:
Rev. Angela Harris,
Associate Pastor
Collierville United Methodist Church
Collierville, Tennessee
(Oct 07-08)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:     

Isaiah 9:2-7 / Isaiah 62:6-12 / Isaiah 52:7-10
Roman Catholic reading for Midnight Mass: Isaiah 9:1-6 (see also study page for Isaiah 9:1-4)
Roman Catholic reading for Mass at Dawn: Isaiah 62: 11-12
Roman Catholic reading for Mass during the day: Isaiah 52:7-10
United Methodist reading for Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7
United Methodist reading for Christmas Day: Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 96 / Psalm 97 / Psalm 98
Roman Catholic reading for Midnight Mass: Psalm 96:1-13
Roman Catholic reading for Mass at Dawn: Psalm 97:1-12
Roman Catholic reading for Mass during the day: Psalm 98:1-6
United Methodist reading for Christmas Eve: Psalm 96
United Methodist reading for Christmas Day: Psalm 98

Titus 2:11-14 / Titus 3:4-7 / Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)
Roman Catholic reading for Midnight Mass: Titus 2:11-14
Roman Catholic reading for Mass at Dawn: Titus 3:4-7
Roman Catholic reading for Mass during the day: Hebrews 1:1-6
United Methodist reading for Christmas Eve: Titus 2:11-14
United Methodist reading for Christmas Day: Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) / Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20 / John 1:1-14
Roman Catholic reading for Midnight Mass: Luke 2:1-14
Roman Catholic reading for Mass at Dawn: Luke 2: 15-20
Roman Catholic reading for Mass during the day: John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5, 9-14
United Methodist reading for Christmas Eve: Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
United Methodist reading for Christmas Day: John 1:1-14

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library:
    • Proper I
    • Proper II
    • Proper III
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: Christmas 1 BCP, Christmas 2 BCP, Christmas 3 BCP / Christmas 1 RCL, Christmas 2 RCL, Christmas 3 RCL.
  • The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings, 2007.
  • PCUSA - Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference, 2007.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Madonna and Child/Holy Family
    • Nativity
    • Shepherds
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Incarnation
• Special Day Resources, Christmas
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal:
    • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Christmas Set I
    • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Christmas Set II
    • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Christmas Set III
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas, 2007. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Christmas, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching the Good News of Christmas, by a collection of process pastors and theologians, Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Preaching Helps: Christmas Eve - Christmas Day. Worship Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2007.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin:
    • Christmas Day I
    • Christmas Day II
    • Christmas Day III
  • The Nativity of Our Lord, December 24, 2007, December 25, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
  • "Justice for the Downtrodden," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2006.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, The Nativity of Our Lord, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "The Presence of the Lord," Christmas Midnight; "In the Word Was Life," Christmas Day, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Christmas Eve / Christmas Day, list of links by Rev. Dr. Bruce Sweet, United Church of Canada.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Starters for Sunday, 25 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Isaiah 9:2-7 / Isaiah 62:6-12 / Isaiah 52:7-10
  • Psalm 96 / Psalm 97 / Psalm 98
  • Titus 2:11-14 / Titus 3:4-7 / Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)
  • Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) / Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20 / John 1:1-14
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Christmas from the Margins," Caroline Redfearn, Angela Bauer-Levesque, Randall C. Bailey, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign. (LGBT perspective)
  • "What Can We Expect?" Keith A. Russell, Reflections on the Lectionary for December, 2007, The Living Pulpit.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Christmas Day, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2007.
  • Lectionary Haikus: Christmas Eve, Among the Hills.
  • "The Christmas Mirror," Joshua Eli Plaut, Reform Judaism, 2004.
  • "Living in the Shadow of the Manger," Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F., (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Christmas Day, 2006. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • "When the Time Came: Christmas 2005," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation.
  • "A Christmas Story You've Never Heard: The Angels," Gordon Atkinson, Real Live Preacher. Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • "Zealous Hopes," Kathleen Norris, The Christian Century, 2005.
  • "Let the Imbongis Sing!" Peter Storey, The Christian Century, 2000.
  • "For Grown-ups," Fleming Rutledge. Commentary from The Christian Century, 1999. At Religion Online.
  • Living the Word, November/December 1998: Isaiah: A Story of Loss and Hope, by Walter Brueggemann. Sojourners Online.
  • "Go out in Joy," Rosalind Brown. Commentary from The Christian Century, December, 1998. At Religion Online.
  • Finding the Grace in Christmas, Louie Crew, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness.
  • "Home for Christmas," Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Selected Sermon, Christmas Day (RCL), by the Rev. J. Barrington Bates, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Luminarias," the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, Day 1, 2006.
  • "Sermon for Christmas Day," Bishop Steven Charleston, Day 1, 2005.
  • "Birth of the Light," Christmas Sermon by Nathan Mattox, 2005.
  • Christmas Sermons, Pastor Edward F. Marquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "A Feast Juxtaposed," Katherine E. Willis Pershey, any day a beautiful change.
  • "The Christmas Message," Dr. Edwina Hunter, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 1997.
  • "Fear Not," the Rev. Barbara Crafton, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club.
  • "Have a Defiant Christmas," John Shea, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Christmas Eve / Christmas Day, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • Banquet of the Word, Bible Study Based on the Sunday Readings, by Rev. Thomas Welbers.
  • "Beyond Candy Cane Lane," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Consumerism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Christmas Day - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Bible Study - Midnight, December 25, Dawn, December 25, During the Day, December 25  - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• The Text This Week's Christmas Resources Page.
• Richard and Charlene Fairchild's comprehensive "A Holy Christmas".
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Christmas Eve, 2007): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "Light of the World: A Service for Christmas Day," Second Sunday of Advent, Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2007.
  • Gathering, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service, (includes litanies, "artistic elements," etc), Rev. Nancy Townley, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Christmas Proper I, Christmas Proper II, Christmas Proper III, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Mustard Seeds, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve A, Christmas Day A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship and Music Resources for Christmas Eve and Day, John Maynard, posted by Will Hume at Word & Table.
  • "Today Is The Day of Jesus' Birth," A Celebration of Music, Lights, and Gifts for Christmas Day, Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2005.
  • Liturgies Online, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2007. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • Worship Resources by Lisa Frenz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Portland, OR:
    • Order of Worship for Christmas Eve, a candlelight service with Holy Communion reflecting on personal acceptance of God, as well as God's very personal involvement in our salvation through Jesus Christ.
    • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, a service reflecting on the coming Light of Christ into a cold and dark world.
    • Christmas Day Choral Service
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thom M. Shuman, Greenhills Community Church, Presbyterian, Cincinnati, OH.
  • Christmas Liturgy, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Christmas to the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia:
    • Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols
    • Christmas Day family service
  • "Joy for All!" Christmas Midnight; "The Feast of the Birth of Christ," Christmas Day, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
  • Liturgies for Christmas (Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve, The Christ Mass on Christmas Eve, The Christ Mass on Christmas Day, ideas for Christmas Liturgies), Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • A Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service by Rev. Richard Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Nativity, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary: Midnight Eucharist, Christmas Day, Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Prayers of the People - Christmas Day I, Christmas Day II, Christmas Day III. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Christmas Set I, Christmas Set II, Christmas Set III. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
  • The Billabong, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Lector's Notes: Christmas Vigil, Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn, Mass During the Day, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Christmas Eve, 2007, the Rev. Joseph W. Daniels, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Christmas Day, 2007, the Rev. Kwasi I. Kena, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Collect NZPB p. 555 and Collect NZPB p. 556, "Liturgy: Prayer Reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Christmas Collects and Benediction, Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2006.
  • Christmas Eve Prayer #1 (Isaiah 9), Christmas Eve Prayer #2 (Matthew), Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2007, Herb Mather, Director of the Center for Christian Stewardship, the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
  • Starters for Sunday, 25 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers of the People, Christmas Eve and Day, Richard J. Einerson, sample prayers from Prayers of the People: Pastoral Prayers for Worship and Personal Devotion.
  • Prayer of the Church, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2007, Let Us Pray, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
• Graphics and Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Christmas, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Nativity, John 1:1-14, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Mustard Seeds, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve A, Christmas Day A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Christmas: A Time for Sharing the Good News of Joy," Dorette Saunders, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • "Two Nativity Scenes," Robert Hodgson, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, the Nativity of Our Lord, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Commercial Sites:
    • "Psalm 148," The Work of the People, Films/Visual Liturgy based on RCL texts.
    • "A Promise Is Born," "Glimpse the Divine," Luke 2:1-20, graphics/films/worship ideas from Lumicon.
    • "Light of the World," John 1:1-14, graphics/films/worship ideas from Lumicon.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "'Fear Not!' The Angel Said," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune:  TERRA BEATA SMD "This is My Father's World."
    • "Hurry Little Children: A Spiritual Christmas Carol," SATB Choral Anthem, Linda Dickson and George Mann, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "The Carpenter's Carol," SATB Choral Anthem, Linda Dickson and George Mann, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "The Stardust Carol," SSAA (SSA) Choral Anthem, Linda Dickson and George Mann, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "O Come, All Ye Faithful," handbell arrangement by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "The First Noel," Christmas Choral Arrangement (choir, congregation, optional child's solo), Sandy Rogers, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "Goat Herds," "The Light," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, weekly new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes. Specially written for use in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Christmas Eve/Day, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
    • "Las Posadas: All Church Christmas Pageant," Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2006. Music for Las Posadas.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Gathering, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
    • Worship and Music Resources for Christmas Eve and Day, John Maynard, posted by Will Hume at Word & Table.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Starters for Sunday, 25 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, December 25, 2007, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Christmas Spiral Puzzle, Christmas Word Jumble, Charles Kirkpatrick, sermons4kids.com.
  • The Christmas Story Crossword Puzzle, downloadable and interactive online, based on the NRSV Christmas stories from Matthew and Luke. Bruce Gillette, Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DE.
  • Lectionary Puzzles: Christmas Proper I, Christmas Proper II, Christmas Proper III. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• For Children:
  • Gathering, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
  • Christmas Childrens Sermons, the Rev. Edward Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.
  • Ideas and Talks for Christmas, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "Sweet Christmas!" Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "Happy Birthday," Lois Parker Edstrom, Lectionary.org.
  • "Paul Looks at the Stars," children's story by Larry Broding, word-sunday.com.
  • "Reflecting the Light," and "Jesus and the Three R's," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Christmas Day - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Jesus Is the Living Word of God," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "The Neglected Gift," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "By His Own Mighty Word He Holds the Universe Together," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
• Drama:
  • "Las Posadas: All Church Christmas Pageant," Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2006. Music for Las Posadas.
  • "A Feast With The Shepherds," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • Dramatic Reading, John 1/Genesis 1, Theresa Coleman, reverend mommy's randon thoughts.
  • "The Innkeeper's Wife," Nina Wallestad, Dramatic License. Conditions of Use.
  • "Lamb of God," Nina Wallestad, Dramatic License. Conditions of Use.
  • "Three Men and a Baby," David S. Lampel, His Company.
  • "The Writer," John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "Credo," John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "Christmas Eve," Dave Gladwell, Skits for the Sanctuary.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.