"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" These heartwarming and familiar words so dear to all, complete Clement Clarke Moore's beloved poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas." The following Christmas poem was written by an unknown author, "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 laying on the shelf without care, in hopes that Jesus will 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 take 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 flat, till I opened 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 while I cried when I saw him in spite of myself. And 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 are 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 this sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as he rose out of sight. Oh, if only 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, one comes the last call, we will find that the Bible was true after all.

Next week we will go and spirit to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus's birth. Our thoughts will be with the angelic choir who sang, "Peace on Earth. Goodwill to men." Pray for peace.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

Published in the Marion Record December 15th, 2005.

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Till next time,

Trina