'Twas the night before Christmas

(Written December 22)

Please accept my small offering of Christmas cheer from Glenbrook Bay―with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore (or Henry Livingston?)―and give thanks that I’m inspired to do this only annually; there really is more where this came from, alas:

’Twas the night before Christmas & all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, ’cept EM & her mouse
Not a stocking was hung, awaiting more stuff
Since both R and EM had possessions enough

The hippos were nestled, all snug in their beds
While visions of river grass danced in their heads
R in his skippies, all curled up in bed
Was clamouring for Milo & cookies instead

When off in the office arose such a clatter
’Tis surprising R’s teeth did not start to chatter
At once he came running, finding paper in flight
And E, trying her best to be still in the night

Peacefully the Alberta moon shone on the ground
And not a sole print in the snow could be found
When what did R’s wondering eyes behold
But a Christmas poem finally finished in bold!

More words than a dictionary’s blinked forth from the screen
(R was just thankful most of ’em were clean)
Highlights were abundant―a mere three were revealed
(Stay tuned for New Year’s news, nothing further concealed)

(i) Chantal & Wal’s wedding―the highlight of the year
And the chance to spend time with so many held dear
(ii) R’s 40th birthday, SKYDIVING, in BC with good friends
After teaching & taxes―life’s usual trends

(iii) Off to Memphis in July―what were we thinking, eh?
To spend time with our new kid before she flew away ...
Our “adopted” daughter, in her musical way
Brings more joy to our lives than we’re able to say

So far this letter’s been about others, you see,
But let us not forget to acknowledge the three:
Three kings (more or less) from afar bearing gifts,
To worship a new King―at the thought my heart lifts!

And more than three shepherds, appeared to by an angel,
Announced the birth of the Babe in a manger
This new Peace-Prince, our Lord & Messiah, behold,
’Tis His story that on each Christmas Eve should be told

To leave Jesus out of Christmas would be absurd
(For this you’ll just have to take my word)
He is the reason we celebrate life in its glory
And the Author of every epic-sized story

He gave us His Word, He completed His quest,
He offers salvation with one main request:
That we believe in His name as Saviour of man
And follow Him with hearts open to His plan

He reminds mankind at each new Christmas season
That His love is divine & given for a reason:
“Here I am, at the door,” I imagine His voice,
“Open up, come to Me, enter in ... & rejoice!”

So on this silent night I encourage you all:
Take the time to respond to your Creator’s call ...
And now, friends and family, may your New Year be bright;
Merry Christmas, God bless you, and to all a good night!