“The Night Before the First Christmas”

It is said that Clement Moore wrote the “Night Before Christmas” for the enjoyment of his children.  The same motive was the inspiration behind this poem by Sister Mary St. Thomas many years ago:

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the town

St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down.

Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild.

While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.

The children were nestled, each snug in his bed,

And the grownups wouldn’t bother. There’s no room, they said.

When even the innkeeper sent them away

and Joseph was wondering where they would stay.

He thought of the cave in the side of the hill

Let’s go there,” said Mary. It’s silent and still.”

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow

Made a pathway of light for their tired feet to go.

And there in the cave in a cradle of hay

The Saviour was born on that first Christmas Day.

The Father was watching in heaven above

And sent for His angels, His courtiers of love.

More rapid than eagles God’s bright angels came,

Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name.

“Come Powers, come Cherubs, come Virtues and Raphael,

Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel.

“Now fly to the earth where my poor people live,

Announce the glad tidings My Son Comes to give.”

The Shepherds were watching their flocks on the night

And saw in the heavens an unearthly light.

The angels assured them they’d nothing to fear.

“It’s Christmas,” they said. “The Saviour is here!”

They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,

Till Mary invited them in to adore.

He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,

And never did shepherds see a Baby so sweet!

He spoke not a word but the shepherds all knew.

He was telling them secrets and blessing them too.

Then softly they left Him, the Babe in the hay,

And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day.

Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,

“Glory to God in the highest; Peace to men of good will.”