'Twas The Net before Christmas

'Twas The Net before Christmas, and all on your phone
The emails are flooding, new sales being shown.
The subjects are loud and emoji are there
In hopes that you’ll buy just one of their wares.
This email is different. It comes from your priest
who wants you to come to the Christmas Eve feast.

Three chances await, on this feast so divine,
The first one at noontime, for schedules that bind,
So all may partake, ere the evening's affairs,
The sermon delivered, with carols and prayers,
And candlelight gleaming, though the sun's shining bright,
A moment of peace, before this holiest night.

When the clock strikes four, the doors open wide,
With families gathered, inside they spy,
A Christmas pageant with children so sweet,
In costumes and carols, a joyful treat.
Bread and wine shared around and reverence shown.
Then candlelight flickers, a soft, holy glow,

The hour hits nine, a hush fills the air,
As voices in unison rise in a prayer.
Choir anthems ascend, with strings sweet and low,
And incense abounds in rich fragrant flow.
Holy communion is shared, as God’s grace is seen.
Then candlelight shimmers on faces serene.

So come as you are, to this feast of such grace,
At noon, four, or nine, find your time and your place,
Whether children’s sweet sounds, or music's embrace,
Or the sermon's good message, in this holy space,
We’ll welcome you warmly, with love and with cheer,
And wish you God's blessing, a Merry Christmas this year!

In Christ,
Fr. Andrew