Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.6.8.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal Scripture: John 1:4-5 Lyrics: On Christmas Eve we celebrate,with friends throughout the earth,the night when angels and a starannounced the Savior’s birth,when shepherds heard the angel-songsand wise men scanned the skies,and mother Mary rocked her childto hush his tiny cries.We tell these stories once againbeside a Christmas tree,and light a candle for the childon his Nativity.We sing the splendid angel-songs,and ring a Christmas bell;shout “Merry Christmas†to our friendsand wish our neighbors well.But, always there are some who findno reason to rejoice.They mourn, and wait in vain to heara loved one’s long-lost voice.The angel-songs and twinkling lightsremind them of their loss;for them the shiny Christmas treebecomes a barren cross.Still others do not celebratebecause they are alone,by choice or by necessityaway from friends and home.They worry that there is no roomfor lonely folk this night;they long to hear the angel-songsand see the star’s love-light.Incarnate God, make us your handsto wipe away sad tears,your arms to welcome those in need,to calm their anxious fears;your voice to whisper angel-songs,your smile to light their way,until a lonely Christmas Evebecomes glad Christmas Day. Topics: Christian Life Ministry for a "Blue" Christmas; Church Year-Christmas "Blue" Christmas Used With Tune: TRUE GIFT Text Sources: The Song Lingers On
On Christmas Eve We Celebrate