The Most Wondrous Gift

Derek Becher

Lights of color beautify the church this holy night;

Poinsettias ’round the altar with their petals, soft and bright.

Everlasting evergreens adorn the sanctuary,

Behind the wooden Joseph and the Blessed Mother, Mary.

In front of them is resting the divine Nativity;

A simple grotto shelters heaven’s Holy Family.

The animals surround them and the shepherds gaze in awe

As Baby Jesus smiles from a manger filled with straw.

Our friends and families fill pews to overflowing.

We’re comforted with warmth, while through the window it’s snowing.

We carol songs that fill our souls with peace and mild revere,

And pray that we can keep it close throughout the coming year.

It’s Christmas Eve, the essence of this holy night surrounds!

Our church is filled with love and peace, and gentle, joyful sounds.

And yet, against the trimming that adorns the church this eve,

Is, set in opposition, the salvation we received.

For in the wooden manger, with a smile upon his face,

Our Savior’s arms are stretching for the whole world to embrace;

But set behind the altar, on a crucifix, so bare,

His arms are nailed upon a cross, with Christmas everywhere.

Amidst the beauty of the church we’ve gathered on this night,

We can’t forget: He came to die—our Savior’s willful plight.

His death for us on Calvary—most brutal crucifixion—

Gave us salvation with his triumphant resurrection!

And so, we celebrate his birth this peaceful eventide,

Remembering: our souls were saved when he was crucified.

We thank him for eternal life—most wondrous gift received,

By gathering to praise his birth on every Christmas Eve.