‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the earth
Creation was silent, awaiting a birth.
The stars were all hung in the sky with great care
In hope that Christ Jesus soon would be there.
Bethlehem was quiet, all nestled in sleep
Unaware of the promise God said He would keep.
And angels in heaven were preparing to sing
A glorious anthem to the new baby King…..
When out in the field there arose such a clatter
The shepherds jerked round to see of the matter.
Away to the sky they all quickly turned,
Viewing a light that made their eyes burn.
The moon on the crest of the small little hill
Made everything quiet and wonderfully still,
When what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a choir of angels that made them all fear.
But an angel of comfort said to “Fear not”.
They were in a moment a curious lot.
More rapid than eagles these angels all went,
The shepherds left wondering what it all meant.
Now come, let us hurry! Now quick let us go!
Lord please guide our steps and keep us from woe.
We’re worried and anxious, but Your message we’ve heard.
We’ll dash away, rush away, seeking the Word.
As dry leaves before a wild storm will fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So down toward Bethlehem the shepherds all fled,
With a song in their hearts of what angels had said.
And then in a twinkling they all seemed to know,
They had reached the right place and thus it was so.
Their anxiety mounted as the stable grew near,
But their hearts were no longer filled with great fear.
…….
He was dressed all so warm in the swaddling clothes,
A beautiful creature in a miniature pose.
A manger of hay was His bed that glad night,
The holiest of scenes, what a wonderful sight!
His eyes how they twinkled, His dimples how small,
His cheeks were like roses, like those of a doll;
His soft little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And His heart was as pure as the new fallen snow.
Mary stood by Him and tenderly smiled,
How thankful she was for the beautiful child!
Though tired and worn she was so full of grace,
For the Saviour had come to God’s own chosen race.
And Joseph was there, so protective and kind,
With praises to God hidden ‘way in His mind.
Oh how could it be, he thought, this child so fair
Had come to lift sins and burdens and care?
……
The Saviour is here, there is nothing to dread,
Only believe….in the blood He has shed.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to the cross
Where He suffered and bled and died there for us.
And laying down His life, because of our sin,
He gave a last sigh….salvation could begin.
“It is finished” He said as the crowds turned aside,
Saddened and frightened because He had died.
But He rose from the tomb where for three days He lay
And spoke to the disciples as He vanished one day.
They heard Him exclaim as He passed out of sight,
“I will come again soon” – It might be tonight!
By Marilyn Duguid
Inspiring Joy 