As I’ve grown older, I almost always think of Christmas as more than Jesus’ arrival over 2,000 years ago. We enjoy the decorations and festivities, but we need to realize that He promised to return. We should be preparing for his arrival again. I’ve had this poem on a card from “Bethany Forms” printed in 1984 and wanted to share it with you.

Twas the Night before Jesus came

‘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 had 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 names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without 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 thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem 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!

Revelation 19: 11, 13, 16       

December is almost over! Are you celebrating Advent? Are the gifts wrapped, cards mailed, cookies baked?

Reflecting on this past year has been difficult for many. Sadly, Covid has destroyed many plans and many lives, along with other illnesses that normally attack families. Devastation from flooding and tornadoes adds to the distress.

Most importantly, we need to pray for those less fortunate, and every night before falling asleep make a “grateful list.” It can take away any gloom from your day if you really search for the golden moments no matter how small, a smile from a co-worker, a cheerful greeting from the coffee barista, the wag of your dog’s tail, or even the warmth of your home on a cold night.

I do have a praise! I was a finalist in The First Impressions Contest (unpublished authors) in the Historical Romance category with American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Even though I didn’t win, I was delighted (shocked, actually) to be honored with the finalists. My thanks to all of you who sent congratulations.

May 2022 bring joy and blessings to your household, but mostly the peace of Jesus who reigns in your heart. Merry Christmas!