CELEBRATING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Pastoral Invitation
For the second time, in the name of the newborn one, welcome to the ____ day of Christmas, when my true love gave to me __________. Now that we are well past the culture's celebration of Christmas day, we can celebrate the biblical version of the event. Someone (author unknown) has said, "In despair we cry, 'Look at what the world has come to!' In joy we shout, 'Look at what has come to the world!' " Ask the people to stand and reverently shout, "Look at what has come to the world!" Repeat until they shout it with enthusiasm and energy.

Response
Develop a litany based on John 1:1-18, using selected passages to drive home the reality of Christ, the living Word.

Response
"O Come, All Ye Faithful," John Francis Wade (c. 1740-1743); tra…