It was time to close our weekly Celebrate Recovery meeting when she walked down the aisle and asked if she could share something. Not knowing what she might have in mind, I reluctantly agreed, praying it was appropriate.

Slowly she pulled a folded sheet of paper from her back pocket and began reading. As she continued, I was stunned. My thoughts were scattered, “How sobering!” I thought. “What do I do with this parody of an old family favorite?” After all, I read the original poem to my children and grandchildren.  They loved it.

For days my mind returned to the poem and its implications. After much thought and meditation, I decided to share it with you in hopes that you will share it with others who need to read it:

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “It’s not here” My head hung in shame!

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around

.I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after ALL!

Source unknown

On this Christmas Eve, 2018, I pray that you and your family spend some of your time celebrating the birth of Jesus and giving Him the gift of praise and worship.

Last night as all my family gathered for our Christmas celebration, I tearfully told them that I could think of nothing sadder than getting to heaven and finding that one of them was missing.

What about you? Do you need to share the “reason for the season” with your loved ones?

Perhaps you have a testimony you’d like to share. I’d love to hear from you!

Merry Christmas!