The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, dressed as Santa to steal,
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle but a couch drenched with tears and boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands, he fought with Sunday School Curriculum and KJV Bible in hand.

Awards and medals lay piled in the bin,
I found the home of a soldier; it was dark and dreary,
Yet this house was somehow different once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room so empty it was at a loss,
Not how I'd picture a soldier of the Cross.

Was this the hero of whom I had read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the souls fought for and won that are partying tonight,
Owed their salvation to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate another God-given day.
They all enjoyed God's love each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder, how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve far from Heaven their true home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened, and I heard a low voice,
'Brother, don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for the LORD of Hosts, I don't ask for more,
My life is the Lord Jesus', my sheep, my corps.'

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This contender for God's Word, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on soldier, all is secure.
Take God at His Word, the KJV Bible is for sure.
Believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins,
Get saved by faith, there is no other means.'

On hearing these words, sin was convicted in my heart,
God had sent His only begotten Son, to believe was now my part.

'I'm a sinner Lord Jesus, forgive and remember me this day,
You are Son of the Living God, to You I'll hope and pray,
Now that I am saved, help me thus to live by Your Word as it is meant to be,
A soldier of the Cross, let me fight to the finish until You return for me."