Twas The Night Before Christmas

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 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 name had been written in love
He gathered to take to His Father above
With those who are ready He rose with out 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 cried as they rose out of sight
Oh, if I had only been ready tonight.

In the words of 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.

Author Unkown

 
Twas the Night Before Christmas – Christian Version
By: Heather Wilson-Smith & Melanie Etheridge
Twas the night before Christmas & all through the house
Not a creature was praying – not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
Because Mom and Dad were too busy to share.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed
Not once ever kneeling or bowing their heads
Mom’s wrapping gifts to put under the tree
While Dad’s making sure there’s nothing wrong with the Wii.
When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter
Dad sprang to his feet to see what was the matter
Away down the hallway he flew like a flash
Looking for the culprit that caused such a crash.
He stopped in his tracks to take in the sight
Of angels declaring the real reason for this night
It was Jesus they said – not Santa or Elves;
You have made this celebration more about yourselves.
The shame Dad felt made him cover his head
Jesus was the real reason just like the angels said
And though Dad posessed worldly wisdom and wealth
He cried when he thought of it in spite of himself.
Now Peace! Now Joy! Now Goodness & Love!
On Mercy & Grace! Now look above!
For God sent His Son to die for your sin
The battle was waged – He fought and you win!
A free gift was given on that Blessed night
The gift of salvation – a gift you can’t buy.
Dad fell to his knees – consumed with regret
He hadn’t given Jesus His place of Honor yet
He stood and he cried as the angels rose out of sight
This Christmas would be different – starting tonight!

Brother Abel (Benjamin)