(adapted from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore)
‘Twas the night before “Christmas”, and all through the land,
People were going about their business, just as they had planned.
The little town of Bethlehem was full; people were everywhere.
None of them realized the Savior was about to be born there.
As the night grew quiet and people were headed for their beds,
Mary and Joseph were looking for a place to rest their weary heads.
Joseph searched the town, while Mary waited for him,
But every answer was the same; there was no room for them.
When from Mary’s young voice his name was cried,
In haste, he turned and rushed to her side.
It was instantly obvious they had to have a place to stay.
For this would be the night; the baby was on His way.
But there was no room for them; they had no place to go,
They found their way to a stable, by the light of the moon’s glow.
In a nearby field, a watch the shepherds did keep.
They sat laughing and talking, surrounded by sheep.
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But a heavenly angel, who told them not to fear.
Great tidings of joy the angel did bring,
As he told of the birth of the heavenly king.
In the City of David was born this great day,
A Savior who would take the sins of the world away.
Wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger they would find,
Christ the Lord, the Savior of all mankind.
A multitude of heavenly host did join the angel then,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace goodwill toward men.”
When the angels had disappeared from the night sky,
In haste to Bethlehem, the shepherds did fly.
They saw Mary, Joseph, and the baby and they knew,
That everything the angel had told them was true.
In the east, great kings were coming from afar,
Being led to the Child by a brilliant new star.
They followed the star each step of the way,
Till they came to the spot where the Child lay.
Gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh they did bring,
To lay their treasures before the new baby king.
While most of the world in silence did lay,
Unaware of the miracle that had come their way.
A baby born, that would bring hope to everyone,
Because this baby was God’s one and only Son.
He would do what no one else could ever do.
He came to offer salvation to me and to you.
For through this baby for whom there was no room,
Would come the miracle of the manger, the cross, the empty tomb.
So now that you know what Christmas is really all about,
You have some things you will need to figure out.
Will you accept the One who came, as your King?
Will you make him the Lord of everything?
‘Twill soon be Christmas and Jesus is whispering to you,
Let me come into your heart and make all things brand new.
This year as you celebrate all the Christmas cheer,
Give Him your worries, your struggles, all of your fear.
Surrender all to the One, Who came to set you free,
And you will find out just what Christmas was meant to be.
I leave you with the words of the angels on that long ago night.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, and goodwill
Toward all men tonight… Merry Christmas!
Katrina Douglas
11/21/13
Revised/Edited 12/14/21
