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