Christmas 1C
December 30, 2012
With thanks to page sponsor
Rev. Kathy Wicks,
interim pastor for Western Iowa Synod, ELCA .
Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Roman Catholic reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or I Sam. 1:20-22, 24-28
Episcopal RCL: Isaiah 61:10-62:3Psalm 148
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 128:1-5
Episcopal RCL: Psalm 147 or Psalm 147:13-21Colossians 3:12-17
Roman Catholic reading: Colossians 3:12-21
Episcopal RCL: Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7Luke 2:41-52
Episcopal RCL: John 1:1-18
Reading and Studying the Text This Week
- Texts:
- Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
- Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings.
- Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
- ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
- Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
- PCUSA - Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference.
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Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
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Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Preaching This Week commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2012. 2009.
- Preaching Helps. Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- "Who Is This Child?" Kathryn Matthews Huey, SAMUEL, UCC, 2012.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Holy Family, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Weekly Evangelectionary, Bruce Laverman, Evangelism Connections, 2012.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Christmas1, 2012, Bruce Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Sermon Nuggets, Christmas 1, 2012, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- The Lectionary Lab, Christmas 1, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Ministry Matters, December 30, 2012.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Christmas 1, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2012.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Christmas C1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Jesus Now, Christmas 1C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Rumors, for December 27, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Text Studies, Christmas 1C, Diedrik Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2012.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2012.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2012.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2012.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2012.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2012.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2012.
- Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2012.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2012.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2012.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2012. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
- "The Hell of Parenting," Jacob D. Myers, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2012.
- "Living the Story," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2012.
- "Holy Families?" Mark Ryan, Ekklesia Project, 2012.
- Hope for the Ruins, Steve Godfrey, Church in the World, 2012.
- "Indigo, Saffron, White, and Lovely," Michael Coffey, 2012.
- "Christmas, Just the Beginning," Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2012.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2012.
- "Let All Creation Praise," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- Liberal Lectionary Resources, Christmas 1, Bryan Jackson, 2012.
- "And the Child Grew And Became Strong," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2012.
- "Echoes of Jesus?" John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2012.
- "Incarnation Negatives," Rick Morley, 2012.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2012.
- "Growing Up In Faith," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2012.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2012.
- Care for Creation Reflections, Dennis Ormseth, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2012.
- Lectionary Notes, Beth Quick, 2012.
- Worship Resources, Christmas 1C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2012.
- "The Innocents," Nancy Rockwell, Bite in the Apple, 2012.
- Christian Leadership Center Commentary, Russell E. Saltzman, 2012.
- "Full of Grace," "A Family 'Time Out,'," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2012.
- Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2012.
- "Ten Minutes on a Tuesday," a weekly resource for preachers and worship leaders, The Methodist Church of New Zealand, 2012.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts, 2012.
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2012.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2012.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2012.
- Weekly Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2012.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2012.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2012.
- The Hardest Question, 2012.
- Ponderings on a Faith Journey, Robert Cornwall, 2012.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2012.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2012.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2012
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2012.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2012.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2012.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2012.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2012.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2012.
- "Learning from Our Children," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2009.
- "'Plunge Yourself into Obscurity': The Hidden Years of the Boy Jesus," Christmas 1C, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Christmas 1, 2006. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
- Articles from The
Christian Century:
- "Growing Pains," Herbert O'Driscoll, 2003.
- "Stirrings of Divinity," Peter Storey, 2000.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
- "'Tis the Season," Malinda Elizabeth Berry, "High-Calorie Spirituality," 2006.
- 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):
- "Where Is Jesus?" the Rev. Dr. Dwight Moody, Day 1, 2012.
- "The Word, the logos, the Christ," the Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, December 30, 2012.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2012.
- "Christmastide: A Reminder Where Our Hearts Belong," the Rev. William McCord Thigpen, III, Day 1, 2010.
- "In the Temple," the Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad, Day 1, 2006.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Who Is This Child?" Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2012.
- Bible Study, Christmas 1, 2012, Susan Sevier, Virginia Theological Seminary, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- "Growing in Faith," Faith Element Discipleship System, "Setting the Bible Free," 2012.
- "The Childhood of Jesus," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003. (Luke 2)
- "Laying Foundations for Faith," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Catechesis," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003. (Luke 2)
- "Why Should We Forgive?" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Forgiveness," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2001. (Colossians 3)
- Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
- 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.
- Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps: Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- Worship resources based on 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Luke 2:41-52 by H. Burnham Kirkland from SermonSuite.
- Mustard Seeds, "Transformation, Changing Direction," Christmas 1C, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Weekly Evangelectionary, Bruce Laverman, Evangelism Connections, 2012.
- Worship Resources, Christmas 1C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Christmas 1, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- "Let All Creation Praise," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, December 30, 2012.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1C, 2012, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgies Online, Christmas 1, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Christmas 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year C, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
- Prayers of the People, Year C - Christmas 1, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lector's Notes, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", Christmas 1, reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Sunday Prayer, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2012.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Offertory Prayers, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Prayers from the Closet, Christmas 1: OT / NT - Stephen Brown, 2012.
- Worship Ways, Christmas 1, UCC, 2012.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Holy Family, 2012. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- "Prayers of the People for Christmastide," Rick Morley, 2012.
- "A Family 'Time Out,'," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Prayers of the People, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2012.
- Prayers of the People, Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 2012.
- "Learn!" Dan Schifeling, Calls to Worship, 2012.
- Prayers for Worship, David von Schlichten, Lectionary Homiletics.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
- Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual
scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Christmas 1C. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Holy Family, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- 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.
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Mustard Seeds, "Transformation, Changing Direction," Christmas 1C, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Hymnsight, Ralph Milton. Projection-ready image backgrounds to accompany seasonal hymn lyrics.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
- Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins,
below):
- "From the Mouth of Babes," reflection by Robert Hodgson, Jr., eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
- Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- "Clothe Your Children," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Christmas 1C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
- "Let Us Praise the Lod, Our God, Almighty," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
- Psalm 148 set to Austria (87 87 D) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Christmas 1C, 2012, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2012.
- Lectionary Hymns, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Shepherd Sounds, Christmas 1. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
- A Few Christmas Suggestions, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
- Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
- The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Christmas 1.
- Choral Anthem Project, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Lectionary Hymns, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Sing for Joy, Christmas 1C, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College. 2006.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
- Hymnsight, Ralph Milton. Projection-ready image backgrounds to accompany seasonal hymn lyrics.
- Together to Celebrate, December 30, 2012, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Holy Family, 2012. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- With Children (see also listings at individual
scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Worshiping with Children, Christmas 1C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," December 30, 2012, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 and Come Sunday by Nikki Grimes, Colossians 3:12-18 and The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardle, Luke 2:41-52 and Little Wolf's Song by Britta Teckentrup.
- On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2012.
- "Let All Creation Praise," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- God Was A Child Too -- Children’s sermon by B. Kathleen Fannin for Christmas 1 based on Luke 2:41-52 from SermonSuite
- "Lost and Found," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2012.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Ministry Matters, December 30, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
- Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual
scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Children, based on the Revised Common Lectionary, by Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Great Hill UMC, Seymour, Connecticut. At Bass Mitchell's homiliesbyemail.com.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
- Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2012 (.pdf).
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.
