Hi this is pastor Ken and these are my thoughts on a Thursday Christmas Eve! As I was preparing for my podcast this week I wanted to share a Christmas poem with you based on the classic, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823. I set out to write such a work expressing the true story of Christmas but I believe firmly that among one’s greatest strengths is to know one’s weakness and while a blogger I may be…a poet I am not. So after a short search I came across this version written by one Angie Mosteller and I liked it so much I wanted to share it with you on this “Night before Christmas”.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Angie Mosteller

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the earth,

Every creature was stirring, awaiting a birth.

The time for Messiah was certainly near,

The prophets foretold it; the Bible was clear.

From the book of beginnings, the very first sin,

God’s word made it clear how His grace entered in.

Born of a virgin, He’d come as a man.

The Creator among us, the time was at hand.

The stars were arranged to show marvelous things,

Setting Wise Men to journey and find the true King.

Shepherds in Bethlehem gazed on the sky,

Longing to see him, their Lord the Most High.

How could they know that the very next night

An angel of God would speak words of delight?

How the Savior was born, it was news of great joy.

In a cloth and a manger they’d find the dear boy.

And a heavenly host would soon join to sing

Of the glory of God and of wonderful things.

He entered creation, set position aside

To show us how deeply his love did abide.

Sin sent us away from our almighty Lord.

He became one of us that we might be restored.

He’s the Prince of our Peace; He’s the one who makes whole.

He is Wisdom Incarnate, a Shepherd of Souls.

He’s the Author of Life; He’s the Ruler of All.

He can offer salvation, on His name we call.

The shepherds and Wise Men would bow to adore

Holy God among men, our greatest reward.

All glory and honor is due to this King.

Let all join in worship; let every tongue sing.

Jesus is Lord, all creation proclaims.

He’s the first and last, He is always the same.

History turned on the first Christmas day,

When God became man in a humble display.

As we think of the manger in which He was laid,

Let our hearts welcome Him to the world He made!

How wonderful a gift has been given to each and every one of us from our loving Heavenly Father. One we didn’t deserve, can never match, and can share with everyone we will ever know and never deplete the fullness of what has been given to us. This Christmas Join Lynn and I as we express our thankfulness to God for all He has given to us.

So now, Celebrating Jesus this Christmas…go be awesome!