The Night Before Christmas                                                                                                                                               © 2016 Lanny M. Faulkner, Ph.D. Pastor-Teacher, First Baptist Church, Atwood, Illinois

‘Twas the Night before Christmas, and up in the sky; the Angels proclaimed that the Savior was nigh!

The shepherds were resting out there in the field; when they heard that God’s plan would soon be revealed.

In the City of David, they would find HE Who came; and they knew that their lives would be never the same!

Over hills and the valleys, they ran and they prayed; that they might see God’s Son, Who was born on that Day.

And, then to the Manger, they came and they saw; Their Messiah and Savior so they bowed down in awe!

For there in a manger, was the King of all Kings; the One Who created the Earth and all things.

For Mary and Joseph had followed God’s plan; and, their hearts filled with joy, as they cuddled God’s Lamb!

Their journey was hard; and, the night air was cold, but they knew that this Child had been promised of old.

For there, right before them was God now in flesh; and they knew that this Baby, would save by HIS death!

To the Temple they went, (just eight days past HIS birth) so that Anna and Simeon, could see the Savior of earth!

In a house sometime later, there the Magi arrived; bringing gifts to this ONE, who so many deny.

With gold and with incense and, surprisingly, myrrh, they bowed down before Jesus; their trek undeterred!

So, off then to Egypt; for, God warned in a dream, that Herod’s promise of worship was not what it seemed.

King Herod was angry, because of the Child; He was threatened, and fearful, and his anger was wild!

He ordered the death of so many that night, Rachel’s tears proved again that the Prophet was right.

But the LORD God was with them so, of course, they escaped; showing King Herod that only Jehovah is great!

Soon, they would hear that King Herod had died; so, they started for home, but that hope was denied.

For the Angel had warned them; Archelaus was King; God’s Son would become a despised Nazarene!

It was Christmas – the first, (now two thousand since then) today millions will gather to celebrate HIM!

The Gift that God gave us, on that first Christmas morn; was God in flesh, there in Bethlehem born.

So, the Gift has been given; it is time now to choose, will you finally receive HIM; or, will you refuse?

A Gift has no value, if it isn’t received; for HIS gift of salvation, you must repent and believe!

Believing God’s Son, was born to save you; repent, and receive HIM, is all you must do!

Merry Christmas to one; Merry Christmas to all; I pray that this Christmas, you will answer God’s call!