"'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 the 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 in 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 when 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
Were gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all of the rest were left standing around.
"I fell to my knees, but it was too late!
I waited too long, and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight
Oh if only I'd been ready tonight.
"In the words of this poem, the message is clear
The coming of Jesus is coming near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was right after all!"
(Source unknown)
Recommended hymn:
Please Search the Book Again
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care\
In the 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 in 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 when 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
Were gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all of the rest were left standing around.
"I fell to my knees, but it was too late!
I waited too long, and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight
Oh if only I'd been ready tonight.
"In the words of this poem, the message is clear
The coming of Jesus is coming near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was right after all!"
(Source unknown)
Recommended hymn:
Please Search the Book Again
