Sermon Illustrations

"TO JESUS ON HIS BIRTHDAY"

The American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay once wrote a biting, ironic poem called "To Jesus on His Birthday." Surely none of us can deny guilt in some of the areas it includes in its brief scope:

For this, your mother sweated in the cold,

For this you bled upon the bitter tree:

A yard of tinsel ribbon bought and sold;

A paper wreath; a day at home for me.

The merry bells ring out, the people kneel;

Up goes the man of God before the crowd;

With voice of honey and with eyes of steel

He drones your humble gospel proud.

Nobody listens. Less than the wind that blows

Are all your words to us you died to save.

O, Prince of Peace! O, Sharon’s Rose!

How mute you lie within your vaulted grave.

The stone the angel rolled away with tears

Is back upon your mouth these thousand years.

Perhaps this poem is...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • "'the' Birthday Celebration

    Contributed by Maria Saunders on Dec 22, 2016
    based on 1 rating
     | 65,055 views

    It’s poor etiquette to attend a party and don’t bring the host/honoree a gift. We should feel privileged to receive an invitation to attend. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we bring the right gifts to the honoree.

  • The Sunday After Christmas Sermon Series

    Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2015
    based on 10 ratings
     | 51,840 views

    How did Christmas 2014 feel to you? Maybe your Christmas wasn’t all you expected. Now that Christmas is over, maybe the excitement has passed and life is already returning to some kind of normal. Whatever normal might be in your life!

  • Lessons Learned From Wise Men

    Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 5, 2013
    based on 11 ratings
     | 43,969 views

    Some important lessons can be learned form

  • A Light In The Darkness

    Contributed by Danny Janes on Dec 10, 2012
    based on 1 rating
     | 41,710 views

    Good sermon for first Sunday of Advent -- lighting of Prophet Candle. The theme of light vs. darkness is woven throughout the Bible. This is what the coming of the Light marked in our world.

  • A Light In The Darkness

    Contributed by Danny Janes on Dec 10, 2012
    based on 1 rating
     | 41,710 views

    Good sermon for first Sunday of Advent -- lighting of Prophet Candle. The theme of light vs. darkness is woven throughout the Bible. This is what the coming of the Light marked in our world.