Twas the Night Before Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
The A/C was running; we live in the South.
The weatherman’s on and we’re praying like hell
For Santa on radar, not some supercell.

The kids all are hunkered, crouched down the hall,
With blankets and flashlights, they’re having a ball.
But Dad’s not so jolly; he’s downright aloof.
He’s hoping the rain, dear, won’t come through the roof!

The rumbles, the flashes that light up the sky
Send little ones running to momma to cry,
“Will Santa be safe? Will his sleigh be all right?
And what of poor Rudolph on this stormy night?”

And down went the spiral, from Dasher to Prancer,
But momma knew worrying wasn’t the answer.
She opened her Bible to chapter and verse;
The voice of an angel before it got worse:

“Fear not for I bring you great tidings of joy!”
For God’s come among us as a baby boy.
And so she did read of that first Christmas night,
Of shepherds, of wise men, a star burning bright,

A king who was born in an animal’s stall,
And love ’twas so great, it could cover us all.
And so was the Word sent into the great void,
His purpose accomplished, for fear was destroyed.

A smile on her face, momma closed the good book,
Her face flashed the quickest of “who’s the boss?” looks.
The children now sleeping, a most peaceful sight,
For Christ’s come among us, to set all things right.

—————

for The Night Before 3 Poetry Contest
sponsored by Joseph May
written on 11/24/22
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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May Avatar
December 24, 2022 at 6:36 AM
A word from the good book makes things right, Congrats on your win Jeff, Very nicely penned, Merry Christmas
Kyser Avatar
December 24, 2022 at 7:11 AM
Thanks for holding the contest, Joseph - Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Volumes Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 8:54 AM
A heartfelt Christmas Story. An enjoyable read. Thank you so much, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Kyser Avatar
December 24, 2022 at 7:11 AM
Thanks so much, Wendy - the same to you!
Sayers Avatar
November 26, 2022 at 2:10 AM
I think I like this better than the original, lovely story telling
Kyser Avatar
November 26, 2022 at 8:09 AM
thanks so much, Wendy! That means a lot!
Wolf Avatar
November 24, 2022 at 9:16 PM
Nicely narrated, Jeff. :) gw
Kyser Avatar
November 26, 2022 at 8:10 AM
Thank you sir! Sorry to have been a stranger lately :-( Been a little crazy 'round here!
Hankins Avatar
November 24, 2022 at 4:14 PM
I couldn't have asked for more to tell the story in a delightful, humorous way. You got it, Jeff! Happy Holidays!
Kyser Avatar
November 24, 2022 at 4:34 PM
Thanks, Milt - happy holidays to you too!
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