Twas the Night Before Christmas.....

(received in an e-mail from Tim's Inspiration)

Twas the night before Christmas and in Bethlehem town,

All the Inns were so crowded, Mary couldn't lie down.

The baby was coming, all willing and able,

The only safe place to be born was a stable.

The shepherds were sleeping on a hillside nearby,

While Mary was singing her first lullaby.

The lambs in their sheepfold, all wooly and white,

Had just settled down on this clear starry night.

When an angel appeared right there where they lay,

While they rose in fright, he said, "Be not afraid."

The Lord's glory shone as the angel did say,

"Good News, I bring to you all on this day,

A Savior in Bethlehem was born for you,

Now He lies in a manger, ragged cloths are the clue."

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But a sky full of angels singing loudly and clear.

God's glory they sang for all they were worth

And peace among all whom He favors on earth.

More rapid than eagles they all disappeared.

A shepherd then shouted to all who would hear,

"Now, Levi!  Now, Reuben!  Now, Isaac and Jacob!

On, Eli!  On Matthew!  On Simon and Caleb!

To the stable in town, to the manger of hay,

Let's go quickly and see where Christ Jesus does lay."

The shepherds could hardly believe what they saw,

Jesus lay in the manger asleep in the straw.

So, down to their knees all the shepherds then sank,

With their hearts full of wonder, their God they did thank.

And then in a twinkling to Joseph and Mary,

The words of the angels, the shepherds did carry.

As they drew in their breath, their heads spinning around,

From the stable the shepherds left without a sound.

Mary pondered these words in the depth of her heart.

She ne'er would forget how the shepherds took part.

A bundle of joy, Mary thought of her child,

And He looked like a pure lamb, so gentle and mild.

His eyes full of wisdom, even though just a baby.

"My Jesus, a Savior? she wondered, "Well, maybe."

His soft, little face seemed to glow with a smile,

So their troublesome journey now, too, seemed worthwhile.

Soon after came wise men from places afar.

Many days had they traveled to follow a star.

They looked for a King who would rule over all,

After speaking with Herod, the worst choice of all.

Herod plotted and planned - a right nasty old king -

Who tried to kill Jesus and end this whole thing.

The magi came in and they kneeled at Christ's bed

And gave Him three gifts and then thinking ahead,

They took a new road on their long journey home.

And Jesus and family to Egypt did roam.

And later He laid down His life for our souls,

Forgiving our sins, Jesus Christ made us whole.

He rose from the dead, to His friends gave a mission.

And we are now given new life with a vision.

So let us exclaim on this most holy night ...

    

Merry Christmas to all,

Jesus Christ is the light!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb