"The Night Before Jesus Came"

by  EDWARD M. GIONEST  egionest@usa.net
 

                    '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 baby 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 a 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!

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