Previously published under the title Shepherds and Bathrobes, this series of model sermons for Advent/Christmas includes such topics as John the Baptist's preaching in the wilderness, the Word made flesh, and a sound and light show on the mountaintop. Long's sermons demonstrate how preaching can be more like watching a movie than listening to a collection of ideas. They abound in a rich variety of fresh images and stories which flesh out the familiar passages and prepare both preachers and listeners for incarnational celebrations of Advent and Christmas. Wade P. Huie, Jr. Professor of Homiletics Emeritus Columbia Theological Seminary Decatur, Georgia The title says it: these are earthy sermons in which a believable voice tells our human story, recites our literature and drama, reports the news that is our daily lot, and does all this with a sharp eye for the Bible's images, a keen ear for the Tradition's youthful voices. A fine example of preaching. Charles L. Rice Professor of Homiletics Drew University Theological School Madison, New Jersey Thomas G. Long is Francis Landey Patton Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books and is one of the most well-known teachers of preachers in America.

The impact of the miraculous event of the incarnation continues -- and the light of hope that appeared in the darkness of that night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago still shines on us today, even in the midst of life's most difficult situations. Illustrated with poignant stories and anecdotes, these powerful messages celebrate the heartwarming joy of Christ's coming, and demonstrate how we can rely on the Lord to serve as our steady lighthouse while we navigate the shoals of life. This seven-part series for Advent, Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas, and Epiphany Sunday provides a comprehensive seasonal resource for busy pastors and worship planners. Each chapter includes a sermon, a children's message, a candle lighting response with scripture reading, and a pastoral prayer. Chapter titles include: - In The Darkness Of Despair -- Isaiah 9:2-7 - In The Darkness Of Suffering -- John 1:1-13 - In The Darkness Of Oppression -- Luke 2:1-5 - In The Darkness Of Fear -- Luke 2:6-11 - In The Darkness Of Anxiety -- Luke 2:12-17 - In The Darkness Of Uncertainty -- Luke 2:17-20 - In The Darkness Of Suspicion -- Matthew 2:1-12 Thomas A. Pilgrim, the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, has served several United Methodist congregations in the North Georgia Conference since 1966. He is the author of six other books, including They Came Together In Bethlehem and The Man From Galilee (CSS). Pilgrim has served on mission trips to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and his travels have included eight trips to the Holy Land as a tour host/leader. He is a graduate of LaGrange College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

This comprehensive resource of five sermons with complete worship services provides a solid, thematically integrated worship and preaching program for Advent and Christmas Eve. It celebrates the deep songs of faith that result from personal encounters with Jesus Christ. The four Advent messages examine biblical personalities, revealing in their experiences real struggles as well as profound joy. You'll explore how Zechariah wrestled to believe what the angel told him concerning the birth of his son; how the prophets searched for God's Word of hope in times of personal and social ferment; how Mary was willing to sacrifice her life for God's purpose; and how the birth of Jesus, heralded by the angels and confirmed by the shepherds, combined fear and joy with divine music. In the final sermon (for Christmas Eve), Oliver links those accounts with our contemporary lives by asking what our personal response will be to the birth of the Savior. Will we allow a song of faith to arise in our lives, in our families, churches, and community? Illustrated with poignant stories and anecdotes, the sermons in Songs For A Savior invite us to hear again the truly good news -- that our song of faith is not so much what we create for God, as how we respond to meeting the Savior and receiving God's gift of salvation through Jesus. Songs For A Savior comes from the heart of one who knows the Savior. Oliver offers these worship resources from his years of helping persons discover the Savior. The liturgies develop a theme for each Sunday, and the sermons weave biblical truths into the complexities of our modern lives, enabling new insights and personal convictions. Congregations experiencing Songs For A Savior will grow in their commitment to love and serve the Savior William R. Harvey Pastor Emeritus, Church of the Savior Canton, Ohio David M. Oliver holds an M.Div. degree from Duke University Divinity School and a D.Min. degree in Spiritual Formation from Asbury Theological Seminary. Currently the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Dover, Ohio, Oliver has served churches in Ohio since 1980, and has participated in the Academy for Preaching. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at Malone College in Canton, Ohio, teaching in the field of spiritual growth and worship. He is the author of Gifts We Bring To Honor The King (CSS).