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Christmas 1C

Image: "Testify to the Light"
©Jan Richardson.

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.
  • 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.
• 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.
  • Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Working Preacher commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary..
  • "Who Is This Child?" Kathryn Matthews Huey, SAMUEL, UCC, 2018.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Christmas 1, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2018.
  • Faith in Process, Robert Gnuse, 2018.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2018.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2018.
  • Ministry Matters, 2018.
  • Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2018.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2018.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Christmas 1, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 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.
  • 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.)
• 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).
  • 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.
  • 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. 2018.
  • Living by the Word, David Keck, The Christian Century, 2018.
  • "Keeping Company with Mary," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018.
  • "Get Dressed and Go!" commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2018. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • Sacredise, 2018.
  • "Parenting Just Got Difficult," Chris Ayers, ReThinkReDoChurch, 2018.
  • Monday Meditation, Gary Neal Hansen, 2018.
  • "Prophets Among Us," Clair Mesick, Political Theology Network, 2018.
  • "From the Heavens and Earth," Wild Lectionary, Radical Discipleship, 2018.
  • A Provocation, Richard Swanson, Provoking the Gospel, 2018.
  • "The People in the Church," 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.
  • "What breaks the Church?" Andrew Prior, One Man's Web, 2018.
  • "Growing up in a Temple?" Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2018.
  • Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2018.
  • "Seeking God," Janice Love, Ekklesia Project, 2018.
  • "A Little Child Will Lead Us," Joe Mitchell, Modern Metanoia, 2018.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2018.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2018.
  • "Where's That in the Bible?" Chris Ayers, rethinkredochurch, 2018.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2018.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2018.
  • Insights with Seitz Podcast, Wycliffe College, 2018,
  • Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
  • Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2018.
  • Theology of Work, 2018.
  • Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2018.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2018. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • Homily Week, 2018.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2018.
  • The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2018.
  • Sunday Scripture Podcast, Joe Cate and friends, 2018.
  • Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2018
  • LectioCast - Homebrewed Christianity, 2018.
  • "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2018.
  • "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2018.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2018
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2018.
  • 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, 2018.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2018.
  • Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2018.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2018
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2018.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2018.
  • Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2018.
  • Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2018
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2018.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2018.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2018.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2018.
  • Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2018.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2015.
  • "Divine and Human Favor," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
  • "Holy Family Values," Debra Dean Murphy, Ekklesia Project, 2015.
  • "A Lost Child?" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
  • "A Twelve-Year Old Jewish Boy," 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.
  • "Wisdom and Years," Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2015.
  • "Growing in Favor," "Crossing Paths," Thomas Beam, 2015.
  • "Boy Wonder," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2015.
  • "I Was Better Than Jesus," Larry Patten, 2015.
  • "If We Miss You," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2015.
  • "Questions about This Odd Text," Scott Barton, lectionary poetry, 2015.
  • "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.
  • "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.
  • "And the Child Grew And Became Strong," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2012.
  • "Echoes of Jesus?" John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2012.
  • "Growing Up In Faith," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2012.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2012.
  • "'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.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "Jesus Gets Grounded," by Mandy England Cole.  A Sermon for Every Sunday.  Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • "A Place to Hang Out," by Andrew Foster Connors.  A Sermon for Every Sunday.  Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • The Prepositions of Praise, Dwight Moody, Day 1, 2015.
  • "Compassion," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • "Where Is Jesus?" the Rev. Dr. Dwight Moody, Day 1, 2012.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2018.
  • "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, 2018.
  • "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:
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
  • Liturgy, Stephen M. Fearing, 2018.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Transformation, Changing Direction," Christmas 1C, 2018. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Rev Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2018.
  • Sacredise, 2018.
  • "Let All Creation Praise," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1C, 2018, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Christmas 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • 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.
  • 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. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
  • Worship Ways, Christmas 1, UCC.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 148, Christmas 1B, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2015.
• 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.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Jesus' Parents Left the Temple" a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, recalls the story of Jesus as a boy in the Temple, talking with the religious leaders, when he was twelve years old. Tune: W ZLOBIE LEZY 4.4.7.4.4.7.4.4.4.4.7 ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly").
    • "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, 2015, 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.
    • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
    • 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.
    • Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
    • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
    • Hymnsight, Ralph Milton. Projection-ready image backgrounds to accompany seasonal hymn lyrics.
    • Together to Celebrate, 2018, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, Christmas 1, 2015, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Dollar Store Christmas Sermons, John Stevens, 2018.
  • Ring, Clothing, Temp Tattoo, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermon, 2015.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
  • On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2012.
  • "Let All Creation Praise," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
  • "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.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018 (.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.

• 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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