'Twas the night before Christmas

I don't normally "steal" from other people's blogs, but my dear friend Victoria, who has such a gift for creative writing, posted this in her own blog today, and it was just TOO GOOD not to get out there for all to see. I hope she doesn't mind.=) It's a spin on an all too familiar Chrismas poem. Personally, I like this one better.....

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
None of God's creatures were stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In truth, it's Christ's birth that had put them there.

His children were nestled all snug in their beds,
unlike the baby Jesus, with no place to lay his sweet head;
Mother Mary and Joseph, and some shepherds perhaps
Watched over our Savior as he peacefully napped.

When up in the sky there arose such a clatter,
That three wise men grabbed the best gifts they could gather.
Away to the Messiah they flew like a flash,
To see our redeemer in the flesh at long last.

The star in the sky gave off such a glow
Shining with the luster of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But the stillness of the star showing they must be near,

It's unclear how long they traveled, but it was quite a bit,
Still they knew by the star's pause that this must be it.
Three gifts they brought to little Jesus when they came,
And they rejoiced as the angels had as they praised His name;

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
To the top of the mountains! To the bottom of the sea!
Our Savior is born to save both you and me!"

As God's children sleep, safe in their beds,
Both Father and Son watch over their heads,
Loving them enough to number each countless hair,
We've no way to earn their love, but every way to share.

Giving gifts as the wise men did is a fun tradition,
As long as the point of Christmas never goes missing.
Deck the halls and trim the tree,
Hang the stockings and dance with glee.

Share the joy of Christmas which no wrapped gift could match,
Tell of the babe wrapped in cloth who brought us freedom at last;
A bundle of joy lying in the manger,
Sent to save us from unspeakable danger.

His life for ours, what an amazing gift!
He was born so that man might no longer perish!
His life was as pure as the day He was born,
As He taught us the greatest lessons we'll learn;

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
Don't try to be pleasing to man, but to God above;
Build on the Rock and not the sand,
Keep an open heart and an outstretched hand.

So many people are in need this Christmas,
Let God use you to fulfill their wishes;
Give as you've been given to,
You provide for others and He'll provide for you;

So speak of His word, and get straight to His work,
Always giving Him the glory since it all came from Him first.
Remember, it's God's children in this world that are the light,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!