A Pandemic Christmas Call to Worship
This year all of our Christmas Eve worship services will be online. So people will be joining us from their many places. This Call to Worship reflects that. It names streets in our community, as well as retirement and long-term care homes, and our hospital. You can replace these with locations in your own community. It can also work well at other times in the service, and throughout the Christmas season.
In Mary’s hometown of Nazareth, where she trusted the angel’s news. . . .
In Elizabeth’s house in Ein Karem, where her baby leaped for joy. . . .
Beside a manger in Bethlehem, where Joseph held his child. . . .
Surely God was in those places, and they noticed!
Within the Jerusalem Temple, where a priest’s life was upended. . . .
On a Judean workplace, where shepherds trembled before an army of angels. . . .
In a Persian study, where sages pondered a strange star. . . .
Surely God was in those places, and they noticed!
In homes on Chalmers Street, Clegg Road, and Halls Drive;
on Erb Street, Keating Drive, and in Highland Manor;
on Patrick Boulevard, Geddes Street, and Stanley Crescent. . . .
Surely God is in those places. Will we notice?
In homes on Station Square, North Queen Street, and in Wellington Terrace;
on Gordon Street, Thomas Boulevard, and Queen Street West;
on Graham Street, Groves Hospital, and Second Line. . . .
Surely God is in those places. Will we notice?
In homes on John Street, Inverhaugh Road, and Eighth Line;
on Woodhill Drive, Robertson Street, and in Riverside Glen;
on Fourth Line, Water Street, and in Heritage River. . . .
Surely God is in those places. Will we notice?
In homes on Country Road 21, Kingswood Gate, and in Caressant Care;
on St. David Street, Sideroad 10, and Middlebrook Road;
on Mathieson Street, Colborne Street, and in Chartwell Elmira. . . .
Surely God is in those places. Will we notice?
Wherever we are tonight, and however we are gathering for worship, God is with us.
We are not alone!
Come and worship.
Let us worship together.
Artwork: Seeing Shepherds (Daniel Bonnell) Used with permission.
Written by Greg Smith-Young for The Presence Project. Please feel free to use and adapt this as suits your needs with credit to the author and The Presence Project.
