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'Twas the Night - 2008
A Modern Christmas Tale
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
I was too busy, and so was my spouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
The evidence of our debt and shopping were everywhere.
The children were huddled in their beds,
While visions of gadgets danced in their heads.
Momma took an aspirin because of her headache,
She had too much to do, no time for a mistake.
When out on the lawn there was a horrible noise,
Was it my weird neighbor Ned, and his caroling boys?
I sprang out of my den full of fury,
I had so much to do; I was in a hurry.
Away to the door, to tell Ned he’s wrong,
I didn’t have time to listen to a dumb song.
When what to my indignant eyes did arise
But a group of people in biblical guise.
Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, a Nativity living,
With a message of salvation - a story of giving.
I uttered a “Happy Holidays”, and gave a wave;
A man introduced himself; his name was Dave.
Merry Christmas he said, and asked if knew the story,
Of Christmas’ origin and God’s Glory.
I looked at my watch; I had things to do.
I tried to excuse myself, but his words rang true.
I had presents to wrap, and a party to plan.
I needed to go, but I wanted to hear this man.
I new what he was talking about, I heard it when I was a kid,
And you’ll never believe the next thing I did.
I invited them all in, even the ox and the goat,
I offered them cocoa with a lump in my throat.
Something was pulling at my soul and moving my heart,
Without hearing his story, my Christmas couldn’t start.
I called in my wife, and she gave me “the look”,
She told me all the things she was trying to cook.
I sat her down; she needed a brake,
My family’s salvation was at stake.
I rushed upstairs for my son and daughter,
They needed to drink of this Living Water.
Dave began his tale of Jesus' miraculous birth,
How he came to us because of our worth.
That he was God’s one and only Son,
And he loved us, each and every one.
As the tale unfolded I looked at the ground,
At the stuff and the things all scattered around.
We considered these gifts important and new,
We thought they were needed, but that wasn’t true.
I looked at my wife with a tear in my eye.
How did I let my family believe in this lie,
That Christmas was about presents and need.
I taught not about love, but of craving and greed.
I pulled my kids close, and held them tight,
I had to act fast, to make things right.
I kneeled and prayed and accepted God’s Grace,
With my family beside me, and tears on my face.
Dave smiled and hugged us, and then walked out.
I thanked him for showing me what Christmas is about.
Merry Christmas we said, and they left right away.
Thank you for saving our Christmas Day.
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