THE CHRISTMAS TREE, O GOD, IS GROANING
BENEATH GIFT-WRAPPED ANTICIPATION. THE TABLE
SPREAD BEFORE US IS RESPLENDENT WITH SHARED
FOODS PREPARED BY LOVING HANDS, FOR WHICH WE
GIVE THANKS.
AND NOW, AS THIS WAITING SEASON TICKS TO A
BELL-RINGING, MIDNIGHT-MARVELOUS CLOSE, WE
AROUND THIS TABLE ARE SCOOTING OVER TO MAKE
ROOM FOR THE ANTICIPATED GUEST. COME AND BLESS
US WITH THE GIFT OF YOUR PRESENCE AS WE SAY,
"WELCOME."