Sermon Central
-
A Christmas Story: Filling The Hole
Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 30, 2009 (message contributor)
A CHRISTMAS STORY: FILLING THE HOLE
One of the most popular films [of this season] is a little vignette set in the 50s called A Christmas Story. In the plot, young Ralphie sets his heart on an air rifle for Christmas, enduring ridicule and scorn in his quest for this gift he believes will make him happy. In the end, he has his toy weapon, and falls asleep on Christmas Day with a smile on his lips.
So what does this tale, which doesn’t even envision Ralphie’s family going to church on Christmas, have to do with our high religious purpose today? Everything. Ralphie was looking for happiness. We know he saw some goodness in that little BB gun. He saw himself as a secret agent, decoding Ovaltine messages from the radio, as a valiant cowboy defending his cowering family from violent thieves. He even assumed the role of hero for a moment, and, despite his size and cowardice, gave a good thrashing to the real villain of the film. In other words, Ralphie wanted to be a hero. He was really looking to fill up the deep hole he felt in his life.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Guest PRO
Contributed by James Chandler on Jan 11, 2007
The Guest Author Unknown A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome ...read more
-
A Missionary On Furlough Told This True Story ...
Contributed by Johnny Creasong on May 27, 2005
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan..... "While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping ...read more
-
Let Me Illustrate By Telling You About How My ...
Contributed by Todd Stiles on Feb 8, 2007
Let me illustrate by telling you about how my kids used to respond to me and Julie during discipline when they were very young. When they would disobey or do wrong, and the sin called for a spanking, I recall vividly the words, “Mercy, daddy, mercy!” Or, “Mercy, mommy, mercy!” What were they asking ...read more
-
If We Followed The Lead Of The Magi And Brought ... PRO
Contributed by Jane Willis on Dec 25, 2004
If we followed the lead of the Magi and brought our finest gifts of, some of you would ante up: diamonds, coin collections, and your artwork. Perhaps your finest possession is a nice SUV or cabin in the woods. I would have to place at Jesus’ feet my complete set of Beatles albums on CD and my new ...read more
Related Sermons
-
-
Under The Fig Tree
Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 17, 2013
When Jesus told Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, He was telling Nathanael that He knew everything about him, even the deepest longings of his heart.
-
What Do You Desire?
Contributed by Scott Spencer on Apr 11, 2014
What do you desire? It's a question which sets our minds racing. Ask any child that question, and you will get ten or fifteen quick answers in rapid fire. We all have things we desire. But just how big are your desires? And
-
"Remain In Me"
Contributed by Andy Grossman on Apr 9, 2011
1. God's greatest desire. 2. His provision. 3. Our responsibility
-
Do We Have David’s Desire?
Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 16, 2019
We will follow whatever we desire. That was the secret of Davi'ds spiritual success. David "set his heart" and his affections on God. Because he did, he developed a hunger for God, he loved God's presence and His Word. We must set our hearts on God.
