LCH E-News—December 23, 2008

’Twas the night before the night before Christmas. and all through the church

Little Lutherans were creeping to peer and to search

For a crêche in the attic and a bough made of pine.

And where in the world is that big roll of twine?

Ladders are scraping and paraments fly

As things that need hanging and folding go by.

Candles are placed in their holders with care

In hopes that the oil will burn past the last prayers

Surely the banners and the small crystal star

Could not have gone walking and gotten that far!

Behold, in the storage an angel appeared

Wrapped up in newspaper aged nigh thirty years.

Hung from a string, Angel sees the commotion,

Gabriel’s vision in pre-Christmas motion.

What chaos, what stress, what joy to behold!

As the manger of Jesus in church does unfold.

A Jesus, a donkey, an old wizened cow

Come out from their hiding for their yearly bow.

Old ladies knew them when young in their youth.

The story of Christmas they tell as their proof.

With each final touch, and glitter, and bough

The church decorators are telling us how

The Savior was born to a young frightened child.

A baby named Jesus, so meek and so mild

All things are ready, the crêche is prepared.

So come hear the story of God’s loving care.

With song and with laughter we join Savior’s light,

The joy of God’s Christmas, of God’s Silent Night.