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CHRISTMAS EVE
Finally--it's Christmas Eve. The moment we've been waitn for
all through advent. The announcement was first made by the prophets of Israel:
"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Christmas Eve is the night in which the prophecy of old becomes a reality announced by
God's heavenly messengers: "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of
great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who
is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11).
The nativity of our Lord is an event of God's amazing grace on a universal scale:
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to
all..." (Titus 2:11).
Sermons:
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Seeing a Great Light (Candlelight
Service), Isaiah 9:2-7,
Rev. Randy Quinn
(see below)
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Are You Ready For Christmas? Titus 2:11-15,
by Dr. David Rogne
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Called By God and Nowhere To Go! Luke 1:26-38,
by Rev. Frank Schaefer
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The Child with Four Names,
Isaiah 9:1-7,
by Dr. David Rogne
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It’s
Time!
Luke
2:1-20,
by Rev. Rick Thompson
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FOR YOU—TODAY!
Luke 2:1-20,
by Rev. Richard Thompson
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GOD'S GRACE
IS REVEALED, Titus
2:11-14,
by Rev. Randy Quinn
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A Child in the Lime Light, Isaiah 9:2-7,
by Rev. Randy L. Quinn
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Joy to the
World!
Luke 2:1-20,
by Rev. F. Schaefer
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Who is This King of Glory?,
Luke 2:1-20, by HW in HI
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Jesus
Christ is the Light,
Luke 2:1-20, by Rick in VA
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The
Meaning of Christmas is God's Seeking Us,
Luke
2:1-20, unknown
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It's Not
What You Have!
Luke 2:1-20, by HW in H
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O
Holy Night,
Luke 2:1-20, by Rev. Susan Russel
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The Meaning of Christmas,
Luke
2:1-20, by Rick in VA
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Pastor Bob’s Christmas Prayer,
dialogue sermon,
Luke 2:1-20,
by Rev. Robert Ellis Stump
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Seeing a Great Light (Candlelight Service)
based on Isaiah 9:2-7
Rev. Randy Quinn
Before I read the first scripture lesson tonight, I want to ask
that all of the lights in the sanctuary be turned off. Not just turned down, I
want them turned off – even the organ lamps.
(I will wait until all of the lights have been extinguished
except the altar candles and the one Advent Candle. Then I will move toward what
little light the candles offer before continuing.)
It’s dark in here. But it doesn’t matter how dark it is, we can
still see the candles, can’t we? They aren’t very big, but we can see them
anyway.
There’s a mathematical formula to describe the way the light
from this candle is dispersed throughout the room. It explains how my face
reflects just a small amount of that light and yours reflects even less. Without
the scientific explanation, however, we all know you can see this candle from
further away than I can use it to see you. So I always wonder about the
television shows that have the police officers holding a flashlight near their
face and pointing it in the direction they are looking.
(I will hold up my flashlight and shine it at the congregation.)
The truth is you can see me much better than I can see you – at
least you can see where I am because I am holding a light and you are not. Later
in our service, you will also be holding a light. And we will be able to see you
better than you will see us because the glow of the candle will surround your
face, not ours.
When we do that, I want you to remember the darkness that
currently fills this room. (I will shut off the flashlight.) And I want
you to ponder what it must have been like before the days of electricity when
people sat up late at night and pondered the things of God. [continue]
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