'Twas the Night Before ...Jesus (1)
by Serena Sunderland of Durham, NC (age 14)


Twas the night before christmas	
And all through the town,
Every shelter was packed
Not a bed to be found.

Caesar's census sent folks
To the town of their birth,
So Caesar with taxes could
Increase Rome's worth.

On that cold, crystal night
Into Bethlehem came
Two tired people
With their donkey the same.

They had come very far,
Many miles of road;
But there were no beds
For the weary and cold.

Mary and Joseph,
As they were known,
Made a deal to sleep
In a barn made of stone.

During the night
In the soft bed of hay;
Baby Jesus was born,
In the manger he lay

Close by, men in the fields
Guarding their sheep,
Became fully awake,
Some startled from sleep.

'Cause all of a sudden, 
With a brilliant flash, 
An angel appeared
Wearing white robe and sash. 

"Have no fear!"
The bright angel said, 
"I bring you good news, 
With nothing to dread."

"Today down in Bethlehem, 
In a dark little stable 
The Savior's been born, 
Get there quick as you're able."

Then another brilliant flash,
And the sky seemed to be seared;
A great host of angels,
Singing praises appeared.

"Peace on earth 
And mercy mild, 
God and sinners 
Reconciled."

The angels disappeared
And the shepherds hurried away.
To see the baby that
In a manger lay.

While this was happ'ning,
Far off from the East
Wise men were coming with
Treasures loaded on beasts.

They came into Bethlehem
And searched through the town,
Until they found the stable
Where they kneeled down.

They offered God's son gifts
Of gold, frankincense and myrrh;
Then they told others what
They'd seen and they'd heard.

The first Christmas night
So long ago,
God sent us
The greatest gift we'll ever know.