Remembrance of Advent with a Friend - 2 (repost)

During the years that our families attended Park Place Christian Church at Christmas time Paul would always sing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" in this strong baritone voice. He sang it in a style of old southern slavery blues. Since his passing I have searched for recordings comparable to his voice. I haven't found one but there is a version by Natalie Cole that comes pretty close.

Oh, how I miss Paul and can't wait to see him at the "Pearly Gate."

The following was originally posted last year:

This is from Paul Berry for Christmas, 2002.

God did not send into our tormented world
technical aid,
Gabriel with a group of experts.
God did not send food,
not discarded clothes of angels.
Even less did God extend long term loans.
Rather God came to us,
born in a stable,
starved in the desert,
naked on a cross,
and sharing with us God became our bread
and suffering with us God became our joy.

Someone
Said it was over,
when it ís only just begun.
So keep your lights ablaze as friends come around to call
but above all be aware that

Someone
has come to us in this winter light,
at the dark time of the year,
when comets blaze, and starlight falls,
and the remaining green trees speak of endless life,
and candy canes are shepherds' crooks,
while carols sing of "peace on earth,"
and the New Year comes when we may give and know
and nurture love,
as we grow in grace, and the glad heart sings
of the gifts of joy that his presence brings.