~ 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 lain on the
shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would 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
babe on her lap
Was watching the Late Show
while I took 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 flash
Tore open 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 wealth
I cried when I saw Him in
spite of myself.

In 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 were ready He rose
without  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 they
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 and when
comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was
true after all!

copyright © 1993
Bethany Farms, Carrollton, IL

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