T’was the week before Christmas, and all through the place,
People were scurrying along in the holiday race.
They rushed, they hurried, and tried to do it all,
As they pushed through the traffic to get to the mall.

It’s already dark, and there’s no place to park,
When someone pulls in front of you, grabbing the last stall.
Santa is there, sitting in his chair,
And the line of kids stretches clear to the wall.

With Starbucks in hand, your favorite brand,
You embark on your shopping with a skip and a smile.
But after waiting an hour, your sweet turns to sour,
When you see that your line stretches more than a mile.

Dad had appointments and people to meet,
Conflicts to resolve and others to greet.
Year-end reviews and budgets to plan,
A time to touch bases with each woman and man.

He put some lights on the house but then had to run;
It looks like this year, it might never get done.
But at least there are twinklers, snowmen, and deer,
And the neighbors will know we still live here.

Mom baked cookies and all sorts of treats,
Cleaned up the house, washed the clothes and the sheets.
She got things all ready for the holiday guest,
Her list too long to allow any rest.

There were parties to go to and gifts to mail,
A newspaper coupon for a one-day sale.
Quickly balance the checkbook and review the amount,
Frown and lament at the disappointing count.

They head to Wal-Mart, even though it’s a zoo,
Trying to save a dollar on toys that are new.
They found a gift they liked at the sporting goods store,
But know if they buy there, it will cost more.

The kids practice songs and lines for the show,
Asking to visit the house of every friend they know.
Gymnastics, tennis, and all-star soccer too,
Homemade crafts and glitter, made with non-toxic glue.

The church needs help to turn on the heat,
So people won’t freeze from their heads to their feet.
Decorations and costumes, sound systems and chairs,
People to usher, read scripture, lead prayers.

The list never ends, there’s so much to do,
You ate a holiday meal but were too busy to chew.
You scramble and sprint to the next thing—
Another gathering of people, another gift to bring.

You rush and you rush until you finally crash,
There’s just enough energy left to take out the trash.
You stumble back into the house and flop on the couch,
It’s time to sing Christmas carols, but you feel like a grouch.

There’s a fire log burning and presents under the tree,
Mom and Dad try to unwind as they sip hot tea.
He slowly opens a card and quietly reads
Of family and friends with much greater needs.

He opens his Bible and gathers the family around,
Finding his way to the verses where the story is found.
Then, once again, they start to hear God’s Spirit fill
Their home with true “Christ”-mas cheer and goodwill.

Good news—Jesus Christ is born!
Glad tidings to everyone,
Peace on Earth, the Savior’s birth,
Incarnate, God’s own Son.
Good will toward men, the price for sin,
The door, the truth, the way.
Wise men still seek, strength for the weak,
Abundant life today!