Christmas 2022, I was moved to rewrite the 14 stanzas of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. I suppose I will call this, “No Prodigals this Christmas” as I pray all will find their way home into the arms of our loving heavenly Father. [note: artwork by Wayne Pascall]
‘Twas the night before Christmas, quietly reflecting in my heart.
There’s much going on, where do I even start?
With time passing by so quickly and fast,
I find it necessary to reflect on future, present, and past.
As a child I was told the stories of old -
David and Goliath; Daniel so bold.
Jesus born in a manger; God is now here -
His perfect love drives out all fear.
I remember these stories and the passions they stirred.
I couldn’t wait for church for more stories to be heard.
There was a fire inside me that burned oh so bright.
I desired more of God, and for my life to be right.
I set out to live strong in the Lord.
I held Christ in esteem, and He was adored!
In prayer I would hear His reassuring voice.
In worship I would sing and in Him would rejoice!
But something happened I did not foresee.
Never could I imagine it would happen to me.
I certainly did not plan for this to be so,
But it was I who began to lose focus and let go.
I’m ashamed to admit this, but only I am to blame.
My devotion to Christ slowly began to wane.
It was not intentional; it was never my aim.
That fire I once had was no longer a flame.
My heart grew fonder with things that did not matter.
Christ became less and my devotion became scattered.
It happened slowly and over a period of years.
Rather than the approval of God I sought the accolade of peers.
How once my eyes were so fixated on Him.
Now His light in my heart had become quite dim.
I had drifted away from His love and grace.
In quiet reflection I realize how I so miss His face.
And just then my mind began to recall,
The words of the prophets as I began to bawl.
Isaiah! Jeremiah! Zechariah! and Joel!
I was overcome with the Good News of noel!
“Return to Me,” declares the Lord.
Oh, how His invitation struck a chord.
It was I who had strayed and wandered afar,
He was guiding me back like the Christmas star.
Then I remembered the words of Jesus,
“Come to Me all who are restless.”
“Come to Me, I will never turn you away.”
And from deep within, I shouted, “Hooray!”
For you see, I was lost and a prodigal child.
Living for myself, using others, and from God exiled.
Yet my Father in heaven never once forgot me.
The Bible tells all, from the manger to the Tree.
There is a love from heaven so holy and pure.
Of this we can be quite confidently sure.
This love will reach you just as you are,
Whether you find yourself here or there, near or far
Reflect with me on this Christmas Eve.
No longer should we mourn or grieve!
Rejoice with me on Christmas Day!
Christ comes to us, even those astray!
- John M. Hanna
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