“Twas the night before Jesus came and all through our house

   Everyone was praying, even our pet mouse.  

The Bible lay open without any fear,

  Because we all knew Jesus soon would be here. 

Our children were dressing, getting ready for bed,

    Kneeling and bowing as the Spirit led.   

Mom in her chair with baby on lap, 

   Watching for Jesus before taking a nap.   .

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

   We sprang to our feet to see what was the matter. 

Away to the window we flew like a flash, 

   Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to our wondering eyes should appear

   But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

 With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray, 

   We knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face shown bright on our head, 

   It was Jesus!  Returning, just like He said. 

And though we possessed no wealth or great wisdom,

   It meant little to Jesus, the King of the Kingdom.

In the book of life that He held in His hand, 

  Was written the name of every saved man. 

A loving word He spoke as He showed us our name,

  To my nephews and cousins He said the same.

Our family and friends, names written in love,

    He gathered to take to His Father above. 

With those who were ready, He rose with no sound, 

   While those who rejected Him were left standing around.  .

We fell to our knees, as we entered The Gate,

   Where we saw the Spirit, sealer of our fate.    

 We all cried with joy when grandparents came in sight.  

Oh, how we all enjoyed this long awaited night.   .  

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear,

   The coming of Jesus is soon drawing near. 

Pray with your families and commit to His care,

   So when He arrives you can join us there.” 

Teachable Moment

On Christmas Eve, read the traditional poem,  “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”    Then read this poem and ask them what it means.   Conclude your time with a family prayer.   Let every child pray.   Pray for those who have not made Jesus the Lord of their lives.

Word of God

 John 3:16-18

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. ¹⁸He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.