‘T’was the night before Christmas and all through the town

Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy with Christmas time chores

Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores.

No one sang “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed”.

Instead, they sang of Santa dressed-up in bright red.

Mama watched Martha Stewart, Papa drank beer from a tap.

As hour upon hour the presents they’d wrap

When what from the TV did they suddenly hear?

But an ad which told of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall they all flew like a flash

Buying things on credit and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home from their trip to the mall

Did they think about Jesus? Oh, no, not at all.

Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things

No time to remember Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake.

How could they stop and remember who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior they had no time to stop.

Because they needed more time to “Shop til they drop!”

On Wal-mart! On K-mart! On Target! On Penney’s!

On Hallmark! On Zales! A quick lunch at Denny’s.

From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall

They would dash away, dash away, and visit them all!

And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter

As grandpa hung icicle lights up on his brand new step ladder

He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl.

Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus, Light of the World.

Christ’s eyes, how they twinkle! Christ’s Spirit, how merry!

Christ’s love, how enormous! All our burdens, He’ll carry!

So instead of being busy, overworked, and uptight

Let’s put Christ back in Christmas and enjoy some good nights!

–Author Unknown