John 1:1-14
                        THE GIFT OF LIFE

      The Lesson this evening included both the majestic words that
open the Gospel of John, and the incredibly beautiful story in the
Gospel of Luke that somehow convey the indescribable.  Together they
speak to us of the mystery that our great God, the Father of Lights,
loves us so much that He wants to share His eternal LIFE with us.

      Christmas Eve is no time to preach long sermons, but in those
opening words of John's Gospel are the greatest gift we can ever
receive.  Think of them . . . we see the word "WORD" ...  and "LIFE"
...  and "LIGHT" ... and "RECEIVE".  And we see the word "PRIVILEGE
(POWER/ RIGHT)" and finally "CHILDREN."

God spoke a Word.
It was a Word of Creation.
It was a Word of Life.
It was a Word of LOVE.
It was a FAMILY Word!

      The LIFE was an illumination within human hearts.

      The LIGHT shines in the darkness. Wherever there is darkness,
there is also Light! The darkness cannot extinguish it!

      Every single person in the world sooner or later has to confront
the Light which is the love of this great God.

      I do not want to get sidetracked here by speculation on those
who do not believe as we do; and their fate.  But the scripture
plainly says: THIS is the Light that enlightens every man.

      This Light, even though it shines in darkness, may be resisted
or refused.  It can be turned away.

      God has expressed Himself: in that Expression is LIFE! That LIFE
is somehow in the realm of possibility for every person on the earth!

      Note the progression of these majestic words-- from the
Invisible, Unapproachable, Holy God, the Creator of all things-- to
the acceptance and belonging of you and me in the family of God.  The
only begotten from the Father makes it possible for us to be sons and
daughters, by the simple process of receiving the Word into our
innermost being.

      Encapsulated in the 14th "And the Word became flesh and dwelt
among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten of
the Father, full of grace and truth."

      Christmas is a truth for real people!  And the Christmas story
is never complete unless and until it has been received in a real and
personal way!

      If you have never welcomed Jesus Christ into your heart you may
invite Him in just now!  December 24, 1991 at 6:30 P.M. in the
Wollaston Church of the Nazarene you can receive the Lord Jesus Christ
into your personal history.

      Just now, too we may all receive Jesus in a personal way.  Jesus
has given us a way in which in good faith we may share in His
fellowship and grace.

      The  invitation to the Lord's Table is open to all who will
come humbly to receive Him!

      Come as you are- Come as you are led of God's Spirit.  Come
by yourself - with a friend - with your entire family.  Come be a
part of God's family!!

      Receive the elements ... Pray a brief prayer of thanksgiving
that Jesus has come, and that He is with us.

      Then eat, and drink, and rise and return to your seat for the
candle lighting that shall follow immediately.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION; INVITATION