[CS-FSLUG] Twas a few days before Christmas--

[Fred A. Miller]

Twas a few days 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 pop from a tap.
      As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap.

      Then what from the T.V. did they suddenly hear?
      'Cept an ad--which told of a big sale at Sears.
      So away to the mall they all flew like a flash--
      Buying 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
      No time to remember Christ Jesus, the King.
      There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake.
      How could they stop and remember who died for their sake?

         To pray to the Savior--they had no time to stop.
         Because they needed more time to "Shop til they dropped!"
         On Wal-mart! On K-mart! On Target! On Penney's!
         On Hallmark! On Zales! 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 up on his brand new step ladder.
         He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl.
         Yet, he never once prayed--to Jesus-- Light of the World.

         Christ's eyes--how they twinkle!
         Christ's Spirit--how merry!
         Christ's love--how enormous!
         All our burdens--He'll carry!


         So instead of being busy,
         overworked, and uptight---
         Let's put Christ back in Christmas--
         and enjoy some good nights!

         Merry Christmas, my friends!


         Written by:
         The Rev. Jon Prain
         Pastor, The Federated Church Avon, Illinois
         November 25, 2001
     
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