Twas the Night Before Christmas

‘Twas 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 Christmastime 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.

Then what from the TV did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad--which told of a big sale down at Sears.
So away to the mall they all flew like a flash–
Buying some 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 Christmastime things
They had no time to remember Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember the One who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior--they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to "Shop till 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--using his brand new stepladder.
He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed--to Jesus--the Light of the World.

Christ's eyes--how they twinkle! Christ's Spirit--how merry!
Christ's love--how enormous! All of 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!