‘Twas the night before Christmas, yet why do we share,
All the holiday gifts, all the ways that we care?
What’s the reason we bring, the songs that we sing,
The bells that we ring, or the lights that we string?
Why the traditions we hold, the greetings we’re told,
The sayings of old, fun stories retold?

Why do we impress, with our savory fest,
In our proper attire, and our time by the fire?
Or our family we greet, for a day that we’re sweet,
Smiling together we meet, and together we eat?
And so, why is it done, the purpose of fun,
What’s it about, beyond a shadow of doubt?

Why it’s the Savior, of course! The gospel in force,
The reason, the source, of all to endorse,
For without Him, it’s empty, it’s really lacks plenty,
It’s missing a beat, a joy incomplete,
It’s a purpose you miss, a true joy and true bliss,
For Christmas without Jesus, is awfully so grievous,
Because the truth is so near, this truth I hold dear,
The truth is so clear, if only you’d hear.

So as I write this expression, I ask a big question,
And I ask you sincerely, to you I know dearly,
Why the traditions you hold, yet you reject what was told,
Of the Christ child, the King, the hope that we cling, the joy we sing, this marvelous thing?

It seems silly to me, to look and not see,
the hope that’s in me, the life that is free,
For the gospel is in view, and this applies to you too,
when it’s all done and through.
So find Jesus today, receive the gospel and pray,
there’s no need to delay,
And this Christmas I say, that you can find the true Way,
that which the angels displayed, that what the Magi did say.

And when it’s all done, and you’ve heard through and through,
I pray and I hope today’s different for you,
As you grasp with your heart the great gospel in view,
and proclaim with a passion along with me too,
These words of love, the peace that’s renewed:
“Merry Christmas to all, and Merry Christmas to you!”