Christmas Eve - New Evangelizers

T’was the night before Christmas, when deep in my soul
I felt such a peace, not even a worry.
The manger was set, the tree lights twinkled
Knowing Jesus would soon be here

The faithful were sure the Son would come
As Mary and Joseph found a place to rest
With oxen and cattle and stars up above
They made ready to welcome their Son for our world

Up in the sky an angel appeared
To shepherds and sang
Glory to God in the highest
And on earth peace to people of good will

The shepherds were shocked but it did not matter
Off to the manger with hearts all aglow
To see the newborn King, a baby in hay
And there he lay, with Mary and Joseph and a star above

A beautiful mother, so young and pure
They knew she would love him
And be by his side no matter the trials
With Joseph caring for them as long as able

The star rising in the East
Come Balthasar, Come Gasper, Come Melchior
On camels they came, almost tricked by Herod
With gold and frankincense and myrrh for the King

But Herod heard the news
So Joseph took flight
With the baby and Mary into Egypt they went
Until finally the terror had passed and to Nazareth they went

Where Jesus grew and learned and prayed
The time had come to do his Father’s will
Calling Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, and Matthew,
Then Bartholomew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas
Saying “Come, follow me”

For three years they went from village to town
Healing, teaching, preaching
The Messiah had come but not everyone listened

He showed the Way to his Father
He was truth, love, peace, justice and mercy
He loved the children, lifted up the poor, forgave the sinners
He had nothing of his own but he had everything

The end of his life was the beginning of ours
His death brought us new life
Life with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

He spread out his arms on that cross made of wood
And loved us to death
Now we are saved, by his blood we are healed
He left for us eternal gifts of his very self
Bread made Body; Wine made Blood

He did it all for us, our eternal salvation
That we might celebrate life and have it in abundance
So now we remember that babe in the manger
And Mary’s “yes” to God’s request

For the Light has come, Jesus the Son
We can say for sure, without any doubt
Merry Christmas, Our Savior has come!

Copyright © 2012, Deanna Bartalini

Deanna Bartalini

Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.