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Christmas 1B

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Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Roman Catholic reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalm 148
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 128:1-5

Galatians 4:4-7
Roman Catholic reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Luke 2:22-40
Roman Catholic reading: Luke 2:22-40 or Luke 2:22, 39-40

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:

  • NRSV Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity .
  • Roman Catholic readings from the New American Bible (Holy Family).
  • 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 readings from the Episcopal Lectionary.
  • Leccionario Dominical La Iglesia Episcopal Ministerio Latino Hispano, Año B.
  • Lutheran lectionary , Year B, from the ELCA site.
  • United readings, Year B.
  • Biblical Passages for , Year B.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings -
  • PCUSA - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
• Images and Movies:
  • The prophecies of Simeon and Anna are very different from the dark one given at the birth of the princess in Maleficent, a reworking of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale.
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Presentation/Circumcision of Jesus
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Prophecy
    • Redemption
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Preaching This Week commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2014. 2012. 2008.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Holy Family, 2014. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
  • Ministry Matters, December 28, 2014.
  • Disclosing New Worlds, Christmas 1B, commentary and reflections, Lawrence Moore, 2015.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2014.
  • Living a Holy Adventure, Bruce Epperly, Living the Lectionary, 2014.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
  • Points for Teaching and Preaching, The Lectionary Lab, 2015. 2012.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2014.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2014.
  • Starters for Sunday, December, 2014. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Christmas 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Jesus Now, Christmas 1B, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Rumors, for December 28, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Text Studies, Christmas 1, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
• 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.
  • Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
  • Psalm 148
  • Galatians 4:4-7
  • Luke 2:22-40
• 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. 2014.
  • Carols of Thanksgiving and Lament, David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2014.
  • "Just Praise," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
  • "Protest and God's Presence," Brian Bantum, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2014. Video: The Power of Protests.
  • "Let All Things Praise YHWH," John C Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2014.
  • Care for Creation Commentary, Tom Mundahl, 2014.
  • "Sin and Savior Crossing," Thomas Beam, 2014.
  • "Sticking Together," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2014.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2017
  • "How Are We Caring for Our Children Today?" Susan K. Hedahl, ON Scripture, Odyssey Network, 2012.
  • "The Oddest Christmas Carol," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
  • Sermon Notes for January 1, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2012.
  • "The Story of the Other Wise Man," Henry Van Dyke, abridged for pulpit use by Carlos E. Wilton.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2014.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2014.
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2014.
  • "Ten Minutes on a Tuesday," a weekly resource for preachers and worship leaders, The Methodist Church of New Zealand, 2014.
  • 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, 2014.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2014.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2014.
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2014.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2014.
  • The Hardest Question, 2014.
  • Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2014.
  • 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. 2014
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2014.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2014.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2014.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2014.
  • COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2014.
  • Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
  • Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2014.
  • "No Room in the Inn," Butch Odom, HopeandHealing.org, 2008.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "A Light for Revelation," Michaela Bruzzese, "Christmas Presence," 2008.
    • "Names," Robert Roth, "Making a Moment," 2006.
    • "Recognizing the Divine," Kari Jo Verhulst, 2002.
    • "A Sign That Is Opposed," Peter B. Price, "Reorder the Household," 1996.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • Environmental & earth-centered reflections from the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Living on Tiptoe," Christine Pohl, 2005.
    • "Holding Promises," John Stendahl, 2002.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. 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 Struggle to Believe," Dr. William L. Self, Day1, 2014.
  • "Simeon," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • Ministry Matters, December 28, 2014.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2012.
  • "A Sight for Certain Eyes," the Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith, Day 1, 2008.
  • "The Big Page Has Turned," the Rev. Mark Sargent, Day 1, 2006.
  • "Simeon and Anna," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "For Fear or For Love," Faith Element, 2014.
  • "Long-Awaited Gift/Rightousness Is Born," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2014.
  • "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)
  • "An Attitude of Discipleship: Peace-Filled," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Bible Study - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
• list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
• 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:
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Christmas 24/7," Christmas 1B, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Ministry Matters, December 28, 2014.
  • The Worship Closet, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
  • LCA Worship Planning Page, Christmas Eve/Dahy, 2014, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship"
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1B, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy of Carols for the First Sunday after Christmas, The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, ELCA.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Christmas 1 by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
• 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.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Lector's Notes, Feast of the Holy Family, 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, Sundays after Christmas, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • "A Prayer for Use on Christmas Morning or the First Sunday after Christmas," Elli Elliott.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Starters for Sunday, November, 2014. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2014. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
  • World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
  • Worship Ways, prayers and liturgical resources. UCC. Español.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
  • The Timeless Psalms: 148, (Christmas 1B), Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2014.
  • Reflections on collect prayers, Christmas 1, Bosco Peters, Liturgy: Worship that Works - Spirituality that Connects.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • 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.
  • Clip Art, Advent B2, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Christmas 24/7," Christmas 1B, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • The prophecies of Simeon and Anna are very different from the dark one given at the birth of the princess in Maleficent, a reworking of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • “Lord, Let Your Servant Go in Peace,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, inspired by Simeon’s canticle and God’s providence throughout our lives. Tune: ST. PETER 8.6.8.6 (“In Christ There is No East or West”).
    • "For Freedom, Christ Has Set Us Free!,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, based on the themes in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians and was selected to be in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s Singing the New Testament. Tune: ELLACOMBE 8.6.8.6 D (“I Sing the Mighty Power of God”).
    • "Long Ago, When Pharaoh's Daughter," an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrating adoption.  Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”).
    • "Everything New," 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 1B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
• Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Christmas 1B, 2012, 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.")
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
  • Lectionary Hymns, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  • Choral Anthem Project, Holy Family, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  • 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.
  • Sing for Joy, Christmas 1B, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  • Starters for Sunday, November, 2014. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2014. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "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, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
  • "Going through Doors to a Happy New Year," Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps.
• 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.
  • Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
  • Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
  • Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
• 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.

 

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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