Come to Him This Holy Night by David T. Warner

About:
This year, millions of viewers of The Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas concerts on PBS will be celebrating the joyous culture of Christmas in Ireland.

This one-of-a-kind giftbook introduces three Irish holiday traditions as shared by acclaimed film and television actor, Neal McDonough. Each tradition is an opportunity to make Christmas more meaningful for ourselves and others, wherever we live and whatever our heritage.

One of these traditions is preparing homes and hearts for the new year. Besides cleaning the barn and cottage, the holidays are for renewing relationships, reconciling differences, and returning kindnesses.

Another world-renowned Irish tradition is placing a lighted candle in the window―a reminder that long ago the Holy Family sought shelter but found no room at the inn. Over the centuries, a candle in the window has become a symbol of openheartedness, signaling to others that they are welcome within.

Finally, across Ireland, Christmas is ushered in by adorning the house with holly. But a simple wreath of thorned green leaves and bright red berries is more than decoration. It is a symbol of Christ's suffering for all humankind and an assurance that because of Him, heartache can give way to hope and peace.

The book also includes a piano/vocal score of the song "Come to Him This Holy Night," performed in concert by The Tabernacle Choir with Mr. McDonough. The new text was written to the tune of a beloved Irish folk song and connects each of the Irish traditions to the timeless account of the Nativity.

Come to Him This Holy Night is a unique giftbook of story and song that will bring Christmas joy to people everywhere.

About the author:
David Warner is the author of nine books and numerous film, television, and live presentations including holiday programs which have aired on PBS stations since 1993. He received his PhD in theatre and film from Brigham Young University and has worked with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for more than a decade.
In my opinion:
David Warner is an amazing author and illustrator. Come to Him This Holy Night is this year's annual concert of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. I was privileged to get a last-minute copy of this beautiful book. I loved Neal McDonough's thoughts of how thrilled he was in being invited to narrate The Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas concert. Being a devout Irish Catholic, Neal was the perfect fit. He said, "I was especially humbled by the opportunity to strengthen the bridge between us-between my faith and theirs, and between God's children everywhere. We are all God's children.
There were three Irish traditions included in this book including preparing homes and hearts, placing a candle in the window, and a wreath of holly. I feel like we have done all three this year. We took an unexpected trip to Utah after my daughter passed away. We were able to be embraced by most of our family and friends with their love and support. We also have put a candle in each of our windows as we've done in past years. But, I loved the symbolism of the candle. Light in the darkness is also a symbol of the Christ Child himself, the Light of the World. It is also a symbol of our willingness to serve those in need. We've been blessed with a lot of people serving us in this really difficult time for my family. A wreath of holly is hung on the door as a symbol of the Holy Child. We decorated our home for Christmas at the beginning of November so we've been prepared to celebrate Christ's birth. His sacrifice has always meant a lot to me but it has meant a lot more now that my little girl is in heaven awaiting our arrival. I know that we will see her again and know that families can be together forever.
This was a beautiful book. I loved the illustrations and the words written to remind us to gather and celebrate the newborn baby which is an opportunity for all of us to begin again.

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