Long, long ago... in a world dark and cold,
Night so still, winter's chill,
One bright star was shining...on a bed made of hay.
In a manger he lay. The shephards came,
they knew his name
King of kings, a brand new day.
They saw the light in the darkness
it shines on love and tenderness.
Brings out the hope that's in all of us.
May it shine it's light on you this Christmas night.
On this Christmas day,
May that star light your way.
This Christmas Eve...
I still believe..
that same star still shines on me.
I saw the light in the darkness
it shines on love and tenderness.
Brings out the hope that's in all of us
May it shine it's light on you this Christmas night.
-John Barlow Jarvis
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!
Christmas in Heaven
I've had my first Christmas in heaven:
A glorious, wonderful day!
I stood with the saints of the ages,
Who found Christ the Truth and the Way.
I sang with the heavenly choir:
Just think!, I, who longed so to sing!
And O, what celestial music
We brought to our Savior and King!
We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem came,
And how they called His name Jesus,
That all might be saved through His Name.
We sang once again with the angels,
The song that they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad story
That Jesus, the Savior, was born.
O. darling, I wish you had been here:
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all the rapture and glory
We witnessed in Heaven so fair.
You know how I always loved Christmas:
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With all of my loved ones around me:
The children so happy and gay.
Yes, now I can see why I loved it;
And O, what a joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me,
To share in the glories I see.
So, dear ones on earth, here's my greeting:
Look up till the day dawn appears,
And O, what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all our parting and tears!
