December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve - Holy Redeemer Parish

December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve

To My Spiritual Family of Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony:

‘Twas the night before Christmas And all through the parish, Our folks were now gathered – Sweet memories to cherish.

St. Anthony was decorated With its angels of straw, While at Holy Redeemer, The Christ-child we saw.

Candles with their flames Gave a beautiful light, While Georgi as always Sang “O Holy Night.”

Vested and earnest Sat our Deacon Ray, Faithful and ready For this Christmas Day.

The choir was singing With voices so splendid, hymns of the season so beautifully rendered.

Some with their walkers Now wise with old age, Shed tears of remembrance Both joyful and sage.

Kids and dear babies Their lives just beginning, Sat eager and ready All dressed up and grinning.

While up at the altar Their occurred such a wonder, That heaven itself Seemed aglow and asunder.

For once in a manger And now here in our place, The King is made present Through gift and by grace.

For God so loved everyone And sent us his Son, A child and Savior, God’s precious dear One.

This infant so tender Adored by the shepherds, While hosts of the angels His praises once tendered.

Wise men brought gifts And a drummer boy played, The one whom the prophets For so long had prayed.

Yet even to those Who still worship today, This child is Emmanuel Our hope and our stay.

Christmas is his birth Yet we are reborn, O come all ye faithful To this joyful morn.

All of Warren County Should praise his sweet name, The holy Redeemer Our cheer and our claim.

So be of good pleasure And be not afraid, Give honor and worship To this newborn babe.

Please know of my prayers For both you and your kin, I’ll pray them this Christmas And often again.

Rejoice in the treasure The gift that Christ brings, Both infant and Savior, Our joy and our king!