T’was the night before Jesus came and all through he house,
not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were laid on the shelf without care,
not knowing what was written or said there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not one ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
was watching the Late Show while 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 threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but angels proclaiming that 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 like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
The people who had been waiting and watching with love,
He gathered to take to His home up above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound,
while all 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 had been ready tonight!