Here is a modern take on the classic Christmas story.

‘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.

When 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 things,

No time to remember, Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap, and cookies to bake,

How cold 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 till they dropped!”

On Walmart! 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,

Would dash away, dash away and visit them all.

And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter

As Grandpa hung icicle lights, from his new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash, and lights that would twirl,

Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus … the 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 a good night!

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

— Author unknown

Submitted by Pastor Dale Maddy. Maddy is senior pastor of Carter Avenue Community Church, 2020 Carter Ave., Ashland, Ky. 41101.