I read “Those Who Are Willing,” the sermon by Rev. Wayne Deloach, first as one sitting in the pew, listening for the Word, and very much appreciated it. The second time I read this Christmas sermon I read it in light of the religious education cluster questions, attending to biblical, ritual, historical and learning cluster questions to ascertain the effectiveness of this sermon as a teaching tool to fulfill a requirement of the EL 1515 (Education 1) class at Luther Seminary.

The biblical cluster concerns itself with the presence of the Bible in the teaching tool and the extent to which the Bible is represented in the teaching tool. Because this is not just a sermon but a sermon based on THE best known biblical story, it’s fairly evident that the Bible is indeed present. Other biblical texts immediately come to mind (the nativities stories from the gospels, extra-biblical versions, links to the prophets, etc.).

The ritual cluster concerns itself with the ritual surrounding and augmenting the learning. Again, because this is a sermon, we immediately understand the ritual aspect of the teaching tool.

The history cluster concerns itself with the way history (experience) shapes learning. This is an interesting cluster for this sermon because, on the one had experience may tell individuals (learners) that they won’t glean much from this educational experience, but because of how the sermon is structured (in poetic form), this notion based on negative experience is broken wide open. I think this is rather clever of Rev. Deloach in that, here it is, Christmas, and so many faithful, guests, lapsed faithful and new-comers are sitting in the pews. Breaking the stereotype of the “sermon” to offer a lesson to “experts” and “novices” despite their experiences is an ingenious way of teaching.

The learning cluster concerns itself with the actual science of teaching. There is a clear line between teacher and learner here--the preacher and the preached-to. An example of implicit (unintentional) learning that is taking place through this sermon is the fact that this sermon breaks the traditional sermon mode, demonstrating that a sermon doesn’t necessarily have to be one person expounding (endlessly?) on theological topics. Rather, this sermon is very story like it in its flow. I’m uncertain of any “null curriculum” present in the sermon, although some of the phrases may reinforce some literary stereotypes of Mary. The final question in this cluster wonders at the appropriateness of the instrument for the ages present. I think this sermon would be appropriate for any age. It’s very “Seusse-like” in its lyrical quality, which addresses younger people, and the deeper thoughts presented in the poetic sermon will engage older members.

The assessment cluster focuses on troubleshooting and improving. Without seeing this sermon put into use, it’s difficult for me to identify strengths and weaknesses. As a teaching tool, it is hampered by the fact that it is a sermon, leaving no room for interaction between learner and teacher or learner and learner. Yes, there’s ways of getting around this in sermons, but I’m uncertain as to how (or why) one would or could do these things in this context.

This is a great sermon. Like I said: It breaks the traditional mode in order to inform and engage people of all ages and experiences. The other thing that I appreciate about this sermon is that it works well as a written resource; it doesn’t necessarily need to be read aloud (or from the pulpit) for it to be effective. Above all, I appreciate the message contained in the sermon. I’ve preached and written a number of sermons and articles about Mary’s faith--being a pregnant, unwed, teenage mother in a culture that didn’t look favorably on any one of these three conditions--and yet she moved in faith. If only most of us today could have so much faith.

Rev. Wayne Deloach has given us a creative and orginal take on the Christmas story, using a “Dr. Suess” type rhyme to proclaim the gospel. This sermon accomplishes two purposes: to relate the story of Christ’s birth, and to transform the listener from a place of doubt to a place of trust in God and a willingness to do God’s will.

In her book, Fashion Me a People, Maria Harris points out that preaching is a major part of the curriculum of the church. Often we think of curriculum as being the Sunday school materials, or the adult education class, but Harris argues that proclamation is a crucial part of the teaching that takes place in the church. Rev. Deloach’s sermon is an original and entertaining proclamation of the mysterious and wonderful ways God works in our lives.

Teaching is most effective when it contains an “emotional hook” to grasp the reader. Effective teaching also teaches to and for connection, so that the learner can relate the new information to what he or she already knows (see Teaching the Bible in the Church, by John M. Bracke and Karen B. Tye). This sermon does both. Most listeners are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth in the manger. This sermon begins with that familiar story, and then expands, to wonder about Mary’s emotions, and then, finally, to challenge the listener to accept God’s call, just as Mary did in Bethlehem.

The rhyming cadence of the sermon also provides the listener with a connection to something familiar. When I read the sermon, I was reminded of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Suess, or the famous story that begins, “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house…”

Like it or not, on Christmas Eve, the church is filled with people who attend only on Christmas and Easter. This sermon is perfect for that situation. It is a non-threatening, promise-filled, and whimsical portrayal of the first Christmas. The rhyme makes the sermon familiar and accessible to those who aren’t used to hearing the gospel in church. At the same time, it invites the listener deeper. The listener is invited to ask questions of God’s mysterious ways, and to ponder what it means to accept God’s call to act in this world.

Rev. Wayne Deloach has given us a creative and orginal take on the Christmas story, using a “Dr. Suess” type rhyme to proclaim the gospel. This sermon accomplishes two purposes: to relate the story of Christ’s birth, and to transform the listener from a place of doubt to a place of trust in God and a willingness to do God’s will.

In her book, Fashion Me a People, Maria Harris points out that preaching is a major part of the curriculum of the church. Often we think of curriculum as being the Sunday school materials, or the adult education class, but Harris argues that proclamation is a crucial part of the teaching that takes place in the church. Rev. Deloach’s sermon is an original and entertaining proclamation of the mysterious and wonderful ways God works in our lives.

Teaching is most effective when it contains an “emotional hook” to grasp the reader. Effective teaching also teaches to and for connection, so that the learner can relate the new information to what he or she already knows (see Teaching the Bible in the Church, by John M. Bracke and Karen B. Tye). This sermon does both. Most listeners are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth in the manger. This sermon begins with that familiar story, and then expands, to wonder about Mary’s emotions, and then, finally, to challenge the listener to accept God’s call, just as Mary did in Bethlehem.

The rhyming cadence of the sermon also provides the listener with a connection to something familiar. When I read the sermon, I was reminded of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Suess, or the famous story that begins, “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house…”

Like it or not, on Christmas Eve, the church is filled with people who attend only on Christmas and Easter. This sermon is perfect for that situation. It is a non-threatening, promise-filled, and whimsical portrayal of the first Christmas. The rhyme makes the sermon familiar and accessible to those who aren’t used to hearing the gospel in church. At the same time, it invites the listener deeper. The listener is invited to ask questions of God’s mysterious ways, and to ponder what it means to accept God’s call to act in this world.