The Night Before Christmas
© 2009 - William C. Highsmith

'Twas the night before Christmas; but, no lights twinkled on a tree nor was there a wreath in a window of the house. There was only a glow from the dim light of an old radio in the corner of the room. The sounds were of the classical notes penned by a composer of long ago. Loneliness prevailed.

Suddenly, the program changed. The strains of 'Jingle Bells' filled the room with a new upbeat mood.

The listener began to reminisce Christmas Days of bygone years. He began to think of red wagons, tricycles, Lincoln Logs, and Tinker Toys. The delighted squeals of little ones on Christmas morning lived in his memories.

The cheerful thoughts continued as he remembered, the wonderful aromas emanating from the kitchen on holidays. He had the recollection of the marvelous smell of baking pies and the vision of hams, turkeys, and mounds of mashed potatoes.

The next selection on the radio was the familiar 'Silent Night' - written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Then, he began to remember the real reason for the season.

God, in His infinite Love, Mercy, and Wisdom, made a Way for His creation to live forever with Him. He so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son to pay the price for our sins. Jesus left Glory and took on a lowly life. He lived that life completely without sin or blemish that He may be the Perfect Sacrifice to pay for our imperfect lives of sin. All we have to do is accept Him.

Always, remember the Reason For The Season.

Have a wonderful Christmas.



By William C. Highsmith