Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house
Their scriptures were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not see them there
The children were dressing to crawl into bed
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head
And mum in her rocker with baby on 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's 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 fourth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be the gerat day!
The light of his face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like he 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 as he searched for my name
When he said "its not here" my head hung in shame
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to his father above
With all those who were ready he rose with no sound
While all the rest were left on the ground
I fell to my knees but it was much too late
I had waited too long and had thus sealed my fate
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight
Oh, if only i had been ready tonight
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear
The coming of Jesus is drawing near
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the scriptures were true after all
Author not known