(to the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas)
‘TIS the time before Christmas, and through Burtonsville,
The Catholics were a-stirring, and even some squirrels (I needed a rhyme)
Awaiting Christ’ Mass, Nativity’s yearning
Sunday Advent Mass 4, all candles are burning
2 The Birth of the Christ we still celebrate
It’s the Reason for the Season Our Lord Jesus so great
He came first among us, as a Babe of Bethlehem
Now our hearts are His cradle, our Church ‘stables’ Him.
3 We welcome Him warmly, as His new holy family
Like Mary and Joseph and the shepherds in history
We gather round, like at Bethlehem, but instead
Round the altar in what now’s “The House of Bread.”
4 The Church, where He comes now, to receive praise
A Sacrifice He offers for His people He’ll raise
Where at Bethlehem they came up to a feeding trough
He meets us and feeds us now in Communion Love
5 We approach Him in reverence Lord, I’m not worthy
To receive Your Gift in me, consecrated by Your clergy
It’s Communion with You, Jesus in Your established Church
Like the Magi I’ve found you You’ve fulfilled our search.
6 You forgave us, You saved us, showed us-at-the-Last Sup
You came as Sacrifice, in Mercy to raise us up
And from Pentecost on, You’ve sent Your Spirit near
We need not be alone now, “we’re” Your people dear
7 Living Your Grace, gathered now towards Christmas (Christ-Mass)
Through the ages we adore You, ‘won’t let this Day pass
Without a celebration for our Person of Honor
A Mass and some carols and some Scriptures to ponder
8 How shepherds were called right out of the night
An angel of God would speak words of delight
How the Savior was born, it was news of great joy.
In a cloth and a manger they’d find the dear boy.
9 And a heavenly host would soon join to sing
Of the glory of God and of wonderful things.
He entered creation, set position aside
To show us how deeply His love did abide.
10 Sin had divided us from our almighty Lord.
He became one of us that we might be restored.
He’s Prince of our Peace; He’s Who makes whole.
Jesus! Wisdom Incarnate, Shepherd of the Soul.
11 He’s the Author of Life; He’s the Ruler of All.
He can offer salvation, on His Name we call.
The shepherds and Wise Men would bow to adore
Holy God among humans, our greatest reward.
12 All glory and honor is due to this King.
Let all join in worship; let every tongue sing.
Jesus is Lord, all creation proclaims.
He’s the First and Last, He’s always the same.
13 History turned on the first Christmas day,
When God became man in a humble display.
As we think of the manger, baby Jesus, the hay
Let our souls hold and comfort Him— + Alleluia Alle!
Parish of the Resurrection Christmas 2025 Fr. John Barry
