An early Merry Christmas Friends! I have always loved Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” that he penned in 1823. When I was born-again many, many, years ago, I immediately envisioned Jesus in this poem instead of Santa Claus. For some reason, this season I have been moved in my spirit to respectfully tweak some of the original language from Mr. Moore's beautiful poem to bring out the essence of Jesus -- since Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Below is my meek attempt to accomplish this endeavor while still paying homage to Mr. Moore and his original poem. The Night Before The Rapture 'Twas the night before the Rapture, and all through the land, Not a believer was worried because their salvation was planned; The crosses were hung on the mantle with care, In hopes that Jesus soon would be there. The Christians were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Paradise danced in their heads; And mamma in her bible, and I in my prayer, Had just settled our brains and laid our souls bare. When up from above there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter; Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below; When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a gathering of angels filled with good cheer! And out of their midst a Figure did spring, I knew in a moment that this must be our King. More rapid than lightning He flickered in flame, And he whistled, and shouted, and called Christians by name: "Now, Daniel ! now, Megan ! now Spencer and Beth! And, Robert ! and, Margaret ! and, Stephanie and Seth!” He did not stop until every name did He call; Then loudly He shouted, “Now come away! come away! come away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, and blow through the sky; So likewise, down through the stratosphere the angels flew, And surrounded the Christians, all in good cheer too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard from Above, A Thundering Voice filled with Absolute Love. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down through the heavens He came with a bound. He was as bright as a candlestick, from His head to His foot, And His clothes were not tarnished with ashes nor soot; And all our sins, He happily flung into the sea, As far as east is from west – we’ll be apart from iniquity. His eyes—how they twinkled and burst forth like fire! His countenance was striking as He beckoned us higher! He radiated Strength and Virtue, with His visage aglow, And His beard and His hair were as white as the snow. His flaming appearance was perfect, as were His teeth, And the smoke, it encircled His head like a wreath; Spike marks emanated from His hands and His feet, The healed wounds conveying that His victory was complete! He was beautifully-effulgent, and as captivating as can be, It was all I could do to contain my absolute glee; A wink of His eye and a twist of His head, Evoked euphoria without a word being said. He held all His redeemed children in the palm of His hand, This was so far beyond what we could all understand; And pointing His finger at all those that He chose, He gave us a nod, and up to Heaven we rose. The Trumpet blew and through the air gave a whistle, And away we all flew like the down of a thistle; We then heard Him exclaim, as we flew out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, on this fantastical Rapture night!” Amen!! Hallelujah!! :amen: :prayer-hands: Your pal, Humbly Wonderful adaptation HI! I was just thinking of the same poem when I read yours. True story! TR I LOVE that, Humbly! Gave me goose bumps. Hi Humbly, Here is another take on the same poem; I found it at fivedoves website. It is from the point of view of someone not taken in the rapture: The Rapture ‘Twas the night before Jesus came And all through the house, Not a person was praying Not one in the house. The Bibles were laid On the shelf without care, In hopes that Jesus Would not come there. The children were dressing To crawl into bed, Not once ever kneeling, Or bowing a head. And Mom in her rocker With the baby on her lap, Watching the late show As I took a nap. When out of the East there Arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to See what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters And drew up the sash. When what to my wondering Eyes should appear, But Angels proclaiming Jesus was here! With a light like the sun, Sending forth a bright ray, I knew in a moment This must be The Day. The Light of His Face Made me cover my head. It was Jesus returning, Just as He said. And although I possessed Worldly wisdom & wealth I cried when I saw Him, In spite of myself. In The Book of Life, Which He held in His Hand, Was written the name of Every saved man. He spoke not a word As He searched for my name. When He said, “It’s not here.” My head hung in shame. The people whose names Had been written with love, He gathered to take To His Father Above. With those who were ready He rose without sound. While all of the rest Were left standing around. I fell to my knees, But it was too late. I had waited too long And thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried As they rose out of sight. Oh, if only, I’d been ready tonight. There’s only one life And when comes the Last call, We’ll find that The Bible Was right after all. ~ Anonymous Certainly a moving rendition as well! Indeed many shall finally acknowledge His face they hid from. The regret, anguish and anger will be overpowering. Drowning in their own tears. Though salvation may still be in sight, one must look beyond the suffering judgments and demonic activity to peer into Heaven's steps! For those taken, the steps of Christ towards Golgotha sufficed. But now those left behind must walk the path of martyr's! Though all of Hell shall be arrayed against those that remain, Jesus will still remain the only way of escape! The cost has already been counted, may they find the blood of Christ mingled with their own! TR tenderreed: Thank you for your kind words. I totally agree that there is no middle-ground here... you are either saved by the Grace of God (which is Jesus), or you are lost and better find that Grace before you leave this mortal earth. Yohanan: I as well experienced goose bumps when I was writing this. When I feel the urging and the necessity to sit down and write these things, I always feel like I am not writing these things, but the Holy Spirit is allowing me the privilege of being used as His vessel to convey His message. Thus, these are Holy Spirit goose bumps that work through us to reach others and to be reached ourselves. God bless you all and have a Merry Christmas -- if we are still here. Your BIC, Humbly Beautifully written, H.I . . ~ I so agree . . we are either saved or we are not ~ ~ all the Glory and Honor to Jesus, for HE IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and THE PATH to Heaven, . . yes, the ONLY POWER to save . . amen ~~ Blessings Donna! What a joy you are. May the Lord richly bless you, and may Santa's bag be filled many gifts for you. TR Yohanan: It is funny that you said "I LOVE that, Humbly! Gave me goose bumps" because I actually received some goose bumps also while I was writing it. I guess that's good. Donna, Tenderreed, Earthangel, and everyone else -- Happy New Year! Hopefully this is THE YEAR that we have been awaiting for so long. Take care my friends! Custer
