We've all been guilty of this, so let's slow down

 and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas this year.


  'Twas the night 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 beer from a tap.
  As hour upon hour
  the presents they'd wrap.

Then what from the TV
  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 thing
  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 stepladder.

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!

AUTHOR . . . UNKNOWN