Christmas 1A
January 1, 2017
With thanks to page sponsor:
Andrew King
A Poetic Kind of Place
Click on Scripture Lessons below for
study resources:
Isaiah 63:7-9
Roman Catholic reading:
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Episcopal Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 148
Roman Catholic reading:
Psalm 128:1-5
Episcopal Reading: Psalm 147 or 147:13-21
Hebrews 2:10-18
Roman
Catholic reading: Colossians 3:12-21
Episcopal Reading: Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
Matthew 2:13-23
Roman Catholic
reading: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Episcopal Reading: John 1:1-18
Reading and Studying the Text This Week
- Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible (Holy Family).
- Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary.
- 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.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, 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.
- 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:
- See The Fourth Wiseman, reviewed at Visual Parables, 2013.
- Suffering of the Innocent
- Liberation/Freedom
- Suffering Servant
- Sacrifice
- Moses/Exodus
- 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 at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2017, 2013. 2010.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Holy Family, 2017. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. The Sunday Web Site of Saint Louis University. (Español)
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
- "Orientation - Disorientation - Reorientation," Kathryn M. Matthews, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2017.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2017.
- Preaching Helps, Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- "Saved by an Intimate God," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2013.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
- The Lectionary Lab, Christmas 1A, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Christmas 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Christmas 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- The African American Lectionary, Kwanzaa (not RCL texts), 2010.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2017.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2017.
- Lectionary at Lunch: homiletical helps from Concordia Journal and audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2017.
- 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:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2017.
- "Just in Time," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2017.
- "Selfie Culture and True Community," Walter Brueggemann, ON Scripture, 2017.
- "Innocence Lost?" Karoline Lewis, WorkingPreacher, 2017.
- Living by the Word, Melissa Earley, The Christian Century, 2017.
- "Jesus the Refugee," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
- "Not Wishing to Be Cheered Up," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
- "The Shadow Falls Past Christmas," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2017.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2017.
- "Unlikely Dance Partners: Lament and Hope," Sharron R. Blezard, 2017.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, 2017.
- "Rachel Continues to Weep," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "Rachel," Andrew Prior, One Man's Web, 2017.
- "Celebrating God's Faithfulness," "Jesus the Refugee," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2017.
- "There's a New Kid/King in Town," Jessie Larkins, Ekklesia Project, 2017.
- Reflections and Resources, Fay Rowland, The Reflectionary, 2017
- "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2017. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
- Homily Week, 2017.
- Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2017
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2017.
- Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2017.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2017.
- Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2017.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2017.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2017.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2017
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2017.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2017.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2017.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2017
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2017.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2017.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2017.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2017.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2017.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2017.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2013.
- "Matthew's Version of the Incarnation, Part 2," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
- "Christmas Is Over, What Happens Next?" Peter Lockhart, a different heresy, 2013.
- "The Magical Effect," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2013.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- "The Fear of Herod Versus the Faith of Mary," Alyce M McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
- "A Tale of Two," David F. Sellery, 2013.
- "Refugees All," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "Mary took Jesus to Eqypt, Joseph stayed home," Russell Rathbun, Question the Text, 2013.
- Preacher's Study, Juan Oliver, The Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission, 2013.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
- "In the Mean Time," Thomas Beam, 2013.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2013.
- Draughting Theology, Steve Pankey, 2013.
- "The Other Night in Bethlehem," Suzanne Guthrie, At The Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
- Care for Creation Commentary, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2013.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2013.
- The Advent Door, Jan Richardson, 2010. Use of images.
- "Beyond a Sentimental Gospel," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. "Remembering Rachel: The Slaughter of the Innocents," Pam Fickenscher, 2007.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
- "Incarnation Negatives," RMC Morley, A Garden Path, 2010.
- "Herod Rules," Brian Volck, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Christmas 1A, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
- "Caring for the Innocent," Christmas 1, Carol Gallagher, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
- "The Last Shall Be First," Andrew Davey, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. 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)
- "The Making and Breaking of Resolutions," by Jim Somerville. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America's best preachers for every Sunday of the liturgical year.
- "Our Familiy Values," Sil Galvan, 2017.
- "Herod the Great," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- "The Light of Christ," the Rev. James Liggett, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2013.
- 1 Navidad (A) – 2013, EL RVDO. PABLO VELÃ�ZQUEZ ABREU, Sermones que Iluminan.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2013.
- "The New Normal," the Rev. Dr. James Lamkin, Day 1, 2010.
- "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt among Us Full of Grace and Truth," the Very Rev. Samuel G Candler, Day 1, 2007. (Episcopal lectionary texts.)
- "Celebrate the Christ-Child and Remember the Children," Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2007.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Selfie Culture and True Community," Walter Brueggemann, ON Scripture, 2017.
- "Wait, Don't Rush," Faith Element, 2013.
- The Lectionary Lab, Christmas 1A, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- "Orientation, Disorientation, Reorientation," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2013.
- Bible Study, Christmas 1, 2013, Perry Mullins, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- Estudio de la Biblia. 1 Navidad (A) por Perry Mullins, Sermones que Iluminan, 2013.
- "Joy to the World, Rejoice," Christmas 1, Lesson Plans that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2013.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
- "Living in the Shadow of the Manger," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- 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 1A): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Mustard Seeds, "Jesus was a refugee / Christmas DOES make a difference," Christmas 1A, 2013. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2017.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2017. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2017.
- "Unlikely Dance Partners: Lament and Hope," Sharron R. Blezard, 2017.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2017
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Christmas 1A, 2013. "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Christmas 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- "Refugees All," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Christmas 1A, 2010. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Christmas Liturgy, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Christmas to the Southern Hemisphere.
- Liturgy for the First Sunday after Christmas, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- The African American Lectionary, Kwanzaa (not RCL texts), 2010.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Christmas 1, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
- 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.
- The Billabong, Christmas 1, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Offertory Prayers, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Christmas 1A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 148, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013. 2010.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
- Service Prayers, ReClaim Resources, 2013. (.pdf)
- "The Other Night in Bethlehem," Suzanne Guthrie, At The Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Holy Family, 2013. The Sunday Web Site of Saint Louis University. (Español)
- Call to Worship, Mary Jane Konings, 2013.
- Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayer, 2017.
- Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2017
- Engage Worship, 2017
- Prayers of the People, and Blessing, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2017.
- Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- Clip Art, Holy Family, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Christmas 1 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.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
- Mustard Seeds, "Jesus was a refugee / Christmas DOES make a difference," Christmas 1A, 2013. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- See The Fourth Wiseman, reviewed at Visual Parables, 2013.
- "Piggy Bank," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- "Wait, Don't Rush," Faith Element, 2013.
- Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins,
below):
- Bulletin Insert, The Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Sarah Johnson, Episcopal Digital Network, 2013.
-
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- Abraham Journeyed to a New Country, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, BUNESSAN 5.5.5.4 D ('Morning Has Broken'), A hymn for the church's ministry with immigrants.
- "A Voice Was Heard in Ramah," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune: LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Christmas 1A, 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 1A, 2017, 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, 2013.
- Lectionary Hymns, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Shepherd Sounds, Christmas 1A. 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.
- 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: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Sing for Joy, Christmas 1A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2016.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2017. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Together to Celebrate,, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas,. The Sunday Web Site of Saint Louis University. (Español)
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual
scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Weekly Household Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2017.
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles, Christmas 1. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Matthew 2:13-23, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
- With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Worshiping with Children, Christmas 1, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013. 2010.
- "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2017, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- "Unlikely Dance Partners: Lament and Hope," Sharron R. Blezard, 2017.
- Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2013.
- "Revolution Sunday!" Fran Woodruff, On The Chancel Steps, 2013.
- "Refugees All," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "Piggy Bank," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
- "Joy to the World, Rejoice," Christmas 1, Lesson Plans that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2013.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
- Making Resolutions, Anna Shirey, Anna's Hosannas, Children's Lesson for Christmas 1 / New Year, 2011.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2017. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- 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.