Come to Him This Holy Night by David T. Warner

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Book Review of Come to Him This Holy Night by David T. Warner

I love picture books, especially Christmas picture books! I love the messages and the meanings in Christmas picture books and how they take complex ideas and make them simple. One of my favorite things to do is read picture books with my children. They’re big now, but I can still usually sneak in a few! Come to Him This Holy Night by David T. Warner will make a great addition to our Christmas books this year and for years to come!

Blurb:

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.

My Book Review:

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I have heard the Tabernacle Choir sing all my life. Sadly, I have never seen their Christmas concert in person. Each year they ask a famous person to help narrate and/or sing with them. This Christmas they streamed a program on PBS featuring Neal McDonough as narrator. They had an Irish theme, and Neal McDonough grew up as a devout Irish Catholic, so it was a perfect fit. This book follows the script for part of this program.

The book jacket on Come to Him This Holy Night is beautiful! The illustrations are gorgeous! They do a great job of telling the story of the three Irish traditions. I love that the three traditions aren’t just for fun—they help families “welcome Jesus Christ into [their] lives, now and throughout the coming year.”

The book takes you through the words to the song “Come to Him This Holy Night” as it describes the three traditions. The words flow on the page and welcome you into their folds. I love the way the three traditions help you prepare for the Christ child both physically and spiritually. The one thing I choose not to do is the “Christmas morning dip in the icy sea.” No, thank you! I’ll stick to my hot shower.

Come to Him This Holy Night includes the sheet music to the song with the same name. I contemplated playing it for you all but decided against it. Haha! You’re welcome. We’ll let the experts do that. I’ll post the video below.

I love this book and am so excited to add it to my Christmas books! I highly recommend it!