On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, Paulist Fr. Eric Andrews, president of the Paulist Fathers, was the keynote speaker at the “Pallottine Teenage Federation Weekend” in Ellenville, NY. As part of his remarks, Fr. Eric sang an Advent take on Burl Ives’ classic Christmas carol “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.”

Here’s a similar rendition sung by Fr. Eric as a message for Advent 2016. In this video, Fr. Eric is seen in the St. Therese Chapel at the Paulist Fathers’ mother church, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, in New York City. He is wearing the traditional Paulist habit.

Fr. Eric’s Advent lyrics for this tune:

“Have a wholly holy Advent.
It’s the best time of the year.
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
but have this wreath of cheer.

“Have a wholly holy Advent.
And when you walk down the street,
say REPENT to friends you know
and everyone you’ll meet.

“Oh, there will be no mistletoe
hung for all to see
someone will wait for you
no kisses from you nor me!

“Have a wholly holy Advent.
And in case you didn’t hear,
oh by golly have a wholly holly Advent
this year!”