Christmas 1C
December 27, 2009

With thanks to page sponsor:
Tim Fleck,
in thanksgiving for the ministry of
St. Martha's Episcopal Church,
Lexington, Kentucky
(0910)

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 61:10-62:3

Psalm 148
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 128:1-5
Episcopal RCL: Psalm 147 or Psalm 147:13-21

Colossians 3:12-17
Roman Catholic reading: Colossians 3:12-21
Episcopal RCL: Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7

Luke 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..
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year C.
  • 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, 2006.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Young Jesus
    • Samuel
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Call
    • Wisdom
    • Journey/Growth
    • Mothers/Mother-types
• 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.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Terence E. Fretheim, Jerome Creach, Marion L. Soards, and Ginger Barfield.
  • "Who Is This Child?" commentary by Kate Huey, Christmas 1, 2009 at SAMUEL (UCC): lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Holy Family C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • 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.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Christmas 1C, 2009, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Christmas 1C, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Jesus Now, Christmas 1C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Lectionary Study, Christmas 1C, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2009.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Christmas 1C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Christmas 1C, 2009, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for December 27, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • "When We Need Love the Most," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Christmas 1C, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Text Studies, Christmas 1C, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Starters for Sunday, 27 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
  • Psalm 148
  • Colossians 3:12-17
  • Luke 2:41-52
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • "Gathering and Scattering," G. Kevin Baker, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2009.
  • Sermon Brainwave, December 27, 2009. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2009.
  • Pastor, Talk To Me About... Lay people's views and questions about each week's texts. At Lectionary Homiletics, 2009. 
  • The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2009.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Whole Lotta Chruchin Goin On Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2009.
  • "Learning from Our Children," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2009.
  • "Young Jesus in the Temple," Tony Jones, Now THIS Is Some Theoblogy, 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.
  • "Christmas 1C," Matt & Laura Norvell, Grounded and Rooted in Love, 2009.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray.
  • Jesus: The Lost Years, Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2009.
  • "My Thoughts/Feast of the Holy Family," Scott Stroupe, The Sunday Bible, 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.
  • Daily Reflection, Holy Family, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Dressing Up," Lawrence Wood, 2006.
    • "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.
    • "Living with Jesus," Michaela Bruzzese, "If Not Now, When?" 2003.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year C. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Sermons that Work, Christmas 1C, the Rev. Charles Hoffacker, ECUSA, 2009.
  • "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.
  • "Growing in Wisdom and Stature," Bruce G. Epperly, Process and Faith, 2006.
  • Selected Sermon, Christmas 1 / New Year's Eve (RCL), by the Rev. Melford Bud Holland, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2006.
  • "Honor Life - in Its Early Years and in Its Decline," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "Words to Live By; A Light to Guide," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Who Is This Child?" Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2009.
  • Lectionary Notes, 1st Sunday after Christmas, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "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)
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Christmas 1, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Holy Family, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • 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 (Christmas 1C, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Christmas 1, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Transformation, Going Deeper, Changing Direction," Advent 4C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1C, 2009, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Worship Resources, Christmas 1C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Christmas 1C, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • 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.
  • Starters for Sunday, 27 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • A Prayer for Christmas 1, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2009.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, NZPB.  Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, "A Family 'Time-Out," Christmas 1C, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Christmas 1C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Sunday Prayer, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
  • 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.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Christmas 1, 2009. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Transformation, Going Deeper, Changing Direction," Christmas 1C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Christmas 1, 2009 at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Bulletin Backs with Stewardship Messages, December 2009 - February 2010, Worship Ways, UCC.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Christmas 1C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "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 Lord, 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, 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • 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.
    • 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. Direct link to Christmas 1.
    • Gathering, Christmas 1, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Starters for Sunday, 27 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Christmas 1C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Together to Celebrate, Christmas 1C, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Sing for Joy, Christmas 1C, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College. 2006.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Gathering, Christmas 1, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children / Older Children, Christmas 1, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Holy Family, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top 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.