‘Twas four days until Christmas and it was pelting with rain,

The grass was brown, the trees were bare, it was looking rather plain,

But inside something festive had started, something that would not be stopped,

The smells of molasses and ginger and spice, the fresh pine of a tree that had been chopped.

Oh only a few days ago things inside were looking rather grim,

Saws had been whirring, plumbers should have been stirring, and no one had painted the trim,

“Perhaps we won’t decorate for Christmas this year, with concrete dust looking like snow,”

“Perhaps we will just enjoy the festivities, when off to your mother’s we go.”

But oh, who can resist the joys of Christmas, with the house all merry and bright,

And so out came the boxes of tinsel and trim, of ornaments and lights.

It wasn’t long before this half-built house started to sing out with glee,

I am decorated for Christmas, oh come in and look at me!

Although far from Martha Stewart’s nod, we have done what we are able,

We look past unfinished rooms and dust, remembering that the first Christmas was in a stable. 

And this will be a sign unto you: you will find a Baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:12- 14)

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!