'T'was the night before Christmas

and all through the town

Not a sign of Baby Jesus

was anywhere to be found.

 

The people were all busy

with Christmas time chores

Like decorating, and baking,

and shopping in stores.

 

No one sang "Away in a manger,

no crib for a bed".

Instead, they sang of Santa

dressed-up in bright red.

 

Mama watched Martha Stewart,

Papa drank beer from a tap.

As hour upon hour

the presents they'd wrap

 

When what from the T.V.

did they suddenly hear?

'Cept an ad.. which told

of a big sale at Sears.

 

So away to the mall

they all flew like a flash...

Buying things on credit...

and others with cash!

 

And, as they made their way home

From their trip to the mall,

Did they think about Jesus?

Oh, no... not at all.

 

Their lives were so busy

with their Christmas time things

No time to remember

Christ Jesus, the King.

 

There were presents to wrap

and cookies to bake.

How could they stop and remember

who died for their sake?

 

To pray to the Savior...

they had no time to stop.

Because they needed more time

to "Shop til they dropped!"

 

On Wal-mart! On K-mart!

On Target! On Penney's!

On Hallmark! On Zales!

A quick lunch at Denny's

 

From the big stores downtown

to the stores at the mall

They would dash away, dash away,

and visit them all!

 

And up on the roof,

there arose such a clatter

As grandpa hung icicle lights

up on his brand new step ladder..

 

He hung lights that would flash.

He hung lights that would twirl.

Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...

Light of the World.

 

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!

Christ's Spirit... how merry!

Christ's love... how enormous!

All our burdens... He'll carry!

 

So instead of being busy,

overworked, and uptight

Let's put Christ back in

Christmas and enjoy

some good nights!

 

Merry Christmas, my friends!