T'was the night before

[mossrose]

bestgift.jpg

Thanks for this, MelMak.

[Sparko]

True Night Before Christmas

by John W Cook

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the earth
God's people were waiting the time of Christ's birth.

The various prophecies, God-given with care
Came to pass on one night in Judea there.

The people were scattered through Israel's land
Paying their taxes at Caesar's command

Young Mary, with Joseph, espoused to be wed,
Descendants of David to Bethlehem sped.

T'was late in the evening they arrived there that day
They found at the inn there was no place to stay.

Away in a stable, no place for a guest,
They settled that couple, to find them some rest.

The star in the sky shone unusually bright
To herald the event to take place that night.

When there, on the hay, her time now full come,
The virgin, dear Mary, gave birth to God's Son.

With no crib to lie in, a stable for sheep
Became for our Saviour a place for His sleep.

Moreover, that night in a field calm and still
Rough shepherds were resting serenely until

Through the dark of the sky God's glory shone round.
All quaking and frightened, they fell to the ground.

To these as they trembled God's messenger came
Good tidings of great joy to all to proclaim.

"For you on this day in the city close by
A baby, your Saviour, in a manger does lie.

So go to the stable, the baby you'll find.
In swaddling clothes He lies there entwined"

And then in a twinkling 'twas heard through the air
The praise of the angels assembled up there.

To God in the highest all glory and praise,
Goodwill amongst men and peace through their days."

When the angels returned then to heaven above,
There stood the shepherds amazed by God's love.

A moment they wondered, then hastily ran.
Found Mary and Joseph and God's gift to man.

The baby, named Jesus. man's Saviour from sin,
Had come as was promised, His work to begin.

His eyes not quite opened how much they would see
Of hatred and failures, of man's misery.

The shepherds, the wonder, made known as they went,
Told all of the Gift that to mankind was sent.

The star, that same star that proclaimed His birth,
Was shining for people all over this earth,

The wise men, they saw it and knew what it meant,
The Saviour God promised this world had been sent

They left all to find Him. a baby, 'tis true:
He came as their Saviour; He came for us too.

Once more it is Christmas. the time of Christ's birth.
A holiday season: is that all it's worth?

No, there's hope in this message, forgiveness from sin
For those who receive Him, who let Him come in

Let's remember HIS birthday, let's celebrate right
Merry Christmas to all. to all a good night.

[Sparko]

The Night Before Christmas
A more spiritual version of the famous Christmas story

By: Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;
Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.

The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn't bother, there's no room they said;
When even the innkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay.

He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
Lets go there said Mary, it's silent and still;
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go.

And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Savior was born on that first Christmas Day!
The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love.

More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came;
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;
Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel.

Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give;
The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens and unearthly light.

The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear,
It's Christmas they said, the Savior is here!
They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.

He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Never did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too.

Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day;
Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!

[One Bad Pig]

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Thanks for this, MelMak.

The best part is that it will drive CP to distraction.

[mossrose]

The best part is that it will drive CP to distraction.

Yes, well, I'm pleased to say that neither MelMak nor I actually wrote it.

[MankyScotsGit]

Sheesh.. what is it with you folks, always bringing religion into Christmas

[mossrose]

T'was the night before

Ok. Opening up this thread for poems (tasteful ones, please) based on the classic Christmas poem.

Years ago, the store where MelMak worked had, the first Tuesday of every month, what they called "10% day", where you received that amount off your grocery bill. They still do that, but that's beside the point.

Inevitably, every first Tuesday of December was the busiest day of the year, at least from my pov as a shopper.

So, MelMak and I wrote this poem one year. It was taken to the store and posted every year for a while. The "elf" in the story is based on the owner of the store at the time, who worked as hard as his employees!

[The Melody Maker]

So, MelMak and I wrote this poem one year.

For the record, I wrote the first stanza and mossy took it from there and wrote the rest of it.

[mossrose]

It was a group effort! All 2 of us!

There are a couple of songs like that, too!

[Sparko]

didn't you already start a thread on this? http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...808#post599808

[One Bad Pig]

Sheesh.. what is it with you folks, always bringing religion into Christmas

[One Bad Pig]

'Twas the night before Festivus and all through Queens,
Not a Costanza was yelling...as strange as it seems.
The family was sleeping, just waiting for light.
Saving their strength for the upcoming fight.

At the crack of dawn on December twenty-three,
Frank put up the pole... instead of a tree.
Estelle prepared the meal that would start the rite,
Not a laugh or a smile was anywhere in sight.

George dreaded this hour that came every year,
The airing of grievances would soon be here.
Frank stood at the table and bellowed outloud,
"So who's got a complaint amongst this crowd?"

"You two are crazy and have wrecked my life!",
Cried George at his parents who mocked him for spite.
"A Lloyd Braun you'll never be " was Estelle's refrain,
"Why should I try,ma?... the guy's insane!"

"Enough with the grievances," Frank said with some glee,
"Now which one of you two is wrestling me?"
"So feats of strength you want? Let them begin here,
"It's your turn to fight him, mom... he beat me last year."

The battle was started, the screaming was lyrical,
The fact no one got hurt was .... ANOTHER FESTIVUS MIRACLE!!!!

[One Bad Pig]