‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land
Families were preparing celebrations so grand.
The stores were all packed with shoppers quite merry
Laden with more boxes than they could carry.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that a fat man in red would appear.
I drive through the city and on frozen ground
Inflatable Frostys and Rudolphs abound.
The words 'happy holidays' headline the news
To appease those offended by the King of the Jews.
But where is Jesus?
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
God’s only begotten Son lay His head.
No paparazzi were there to record
The incredible birth of our Heavenly Lord.
No cameras were present, no crowds milled about
But a heavenly host lit the night with a shout.
His humble beginning would signal a life
Of sacrifice, service, of struggle and strife ...
And there was Jesus.
He came here for us, not for personal gain
So that we too could share in His eternal reign.
He came here to tell us just how we should live;
How to serve others, and how we should give.
If we’d just believe in the truth that He stated
We’d be freed from our bonds, and know why we’re created.
Before He could even speak, our names He knew.
He came here for all of us - for me and for you.
Old Testament prophecies all were fulfilled
By His singular birth and the blood that He spilled.
No space could be found at the Bethlehem inn
- But an old rugged cross was reserved just for Him ...
And there was Jesus.
We must never forget that He is the reason
We have cause to celebrate this holy season.
So on Christmas morning, as unwrapping begins
Let’s all pause and give thanks for the day’s origins.
When you find yourself swamped in the holiday throng
And you’re wondering where in Christmas you belong
Be still and listen to His soft, gentle voice
He’s there ~ in your heart ~ helping make the right choice.
His Spirit will show you ways to love your neighbor
And strengthen your soul through your toils and your labor.
When you follow His teachings and do unto others
And learn ways to love all your sisters and brothers
Believe in Him wholly for the things He has done
That the babe born that night is our God’s one true Son ~
