Sermon Central
-
In 1994, Two Christian Missionaries Answered An ... PRO
Contributed by Rob Short on Apr 7, 2001 (message contributor)
In 1994, two Christian missionaries answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics in a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage.
It was nearing Christmas and they decided to tell them the story of Christmas. It would be the first time these children had heard the story of the birth of Christ. They told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.
When the story was finished, they gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins that they had brought with them since no coloured paper was available in the city.
Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby’s blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt which the missionaries had also brought with them.
It was all going smoothly until one of the missionaries sat down at a table to help a 6 year old boy named Misha. He had finished his manger. When the missionary looked at the little boy’s manger, she was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, she called for the translator to ask Misha why there were two babies in the manger.
Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, Misha began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately until he came to the part where Mary put the baby
Jesus in the manger.
Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending. 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 mamma 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...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
It Was 1741, And An Old Man Was Wandering The ...
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jan 6, 2007
It was 1741, and an old man was wandering the streets of London. His name was George Frederick Handel. At this point, he was angry at life. His mind kept going back to the time when he was famous and had the applause of royalty and the elite of London. But now his mind was full of despair and ...read more
-
Havner Stated, " Worry, Like A Rocking Chair, ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 11, 2003
Havner stated, “ Worry, like a rocking chair, will give you something to do, but ...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
-
Patience PRO
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 11, 2003
Patience: 1. Is the ability to sit back and wait for an expected outcome without experiencing anxiety, tension, or frustration. 2. Is the ability let go of your need for immediate gratification and be willing to wait. 3. Patience is the trait that displays tolerance, compassion, understanding, ...read more
-
D. L. Moody Has Expressed It So Well: ". . .joy ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Dec 12, 2004
D. L. Moody has expressed it so well: “. . .Joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring the world can’t see ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Every Step Of The Way Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 29, 2013
Jeremiah points out that God will be faithful to you every step of the way. Each day when you rise, God will already be taking care of you. His grace, strength and love will be as much a daily part of you life as is breathing.
-
A New Beginning Series
Contributed by Pastor Dr. Tim Awotide on Nov 11, 2014
Everything that has a beginning must have an end.
-
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.
-
A Song Of Thanksgiving
Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 20, 2016
A thanksgiving sermon reminding us to give thanks to God, to remember His past works, wonders words and faithfulness, and to speak them to the brethren and to those outside the household of faith.
-
Pentecost: The Arrival Of The Holy Spirit (Part 3) Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 14, 2010
A sermon examining the events on the day of Pentecost.
