The Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week 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 from a tap.
As hour upon hour
the presents they'd wrap.
Then what from the TV
did they suddenly hear?
An ad, which told of a
sale down at Sears.
So away to the mall
they all flew like a flash,
Buying some 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,
They had no time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
the One who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior,
they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to
"Shop till they drop!"
On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Macy's!
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,
using his new ladder.
He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed,
to the 'Light of the World'.
Christ's eyes--how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit--how merry!
Christ's love--how enormous!
All of our burdens--He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,
overworked, and uptight.
Let's put Christ back in Christmas,
and enjoy a good night.
& HAPPY NEW YEAR