Sermon Central
-
For Always PRO
Contributed by Jim Kane on Dec 23, 2001 (message contributor)
FOR ALWAYS
In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large orphanage.
It was nearing the holiday season for the orphans to hear for the first time the traditional Christmas story. They told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where Jesus was born and placed in the manger.
Throughout the story, the children, according to one of the Americans, “sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.”
As a follow-up activity to the story, each child was given three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manager. Each child was also given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins which the children tore into strips the paper and carefully laid them in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel from a thrown away nightgown were used for the baby’s blanket. From pieces of tan felt a doll-like baby was made.
As they made their way around the room to observe the children this is what one of the Americans noted, “All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project.
As I looked at the little boy’s manger, I was startled to see, not one but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger.”
The observer goes on to note that Misha very accurately recalled the story that had been told until he came to the part where Mary put Jesus in the manger. “Then Misha,” it is noted, “started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, “And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no momma and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay.
Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn’t because I didn’t have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much,...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
In September, 1938, A Man Who Lived On Long ...
Contributed by Stephen Wright on Dec 12, 2004
In September, 1938, a man who lived on Long Island ordered a very fine barometer. When it arrived he was extremely disappointed to find that the dial was stuck, pointing to “Hurricane.” After shaking the barometer very vigorously several times, its new owner sat down and wrote a scorching letter to ...read more
-
Fred Craddock, Who Taught At Candler School Of ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Sep 18, 2005
Fred Craddock, who taught at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, once said: “To give my life for Christ appears glorious. To pour myself out for others ... to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom — I’ll do it. I’m ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. We think giving our all to ...read more
-
I Remember When I First Started Training To Be A ... PRO
Contributed by Bruce Morrison on May 26, 2003
I remember when I first started training to be a pilot. I was a young pastor and lived in Labrador in the north east part of Canada. The church purchased a bush plane to be used for outreach in parts of the region where there were no churches of any kind so I needed to learn to fly. On my very ...read more
-
The Botanical Life Of Most Trees Is Amazing. ...
Contributed by Mike Mcguire on Feb 8, 2007
The botanical life of most trees is amazing. Often when a tree is damaged and the trunk is cut down, a new shoot will come up out of the stump or roots. As long as the roots are healthy, it will try to live. It will put out new shoots and eventually try to flower and reproduce. It keeps adapting to ...read more
-
A Man Started Out Through A Forest So Thickly ... PRO
Contributed by Stephen Wright on Dec 12, 2004
A man started out through a forest so thickly covered with trees that one day he could not see the sun or sky. After travelling for a long time he knew it was getting night time, so started for what he thought was home. He was so certain that his direction was right that he did not look at his ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Seeing The Unseen (Coronavirus) Series
Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 23, 2020
The Bible encourages us to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). That's just what Elisha does in 2 Kings 6. What does he see that we often don't?
-
Jesus Is Visited By Shepherds Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Nov 11, 2012
In today's lesson we learn about the shepherds visiting the baby Jesus, and we should respond to Jesus.
-
The Ultimate Adventure Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2016
What is the best way to get people to come to church? Is inviting good enough, or is there a better way?
-
He Could Have Called 72,000 Angels Series
Contributed by Davon Huss on Apr 14, 2014
A sermon on the arrest of Jesus Christ (Seed thoughts from a Christology class; Outline from James E. Smith's book, The Longest Night in the Bible; So What? from Alan Carr at: http://www.sermonnotebook.org/new%20testament/John%2018_1-14.htm)
-
Peace On Earth Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 25, 2016
Jesus was born to bring us peace - that's what Isaiah declared and angels sang. But what does that mean? What kind of peace did Jesus come to give me, and how can I receive it?
