An original version of the classic poem for a Chapel skit.

‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas,

when all across the ice shelf,

Not a creature was stirring, not even an elf.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that Jesus Christ would soon be there.

The elves were nestled all snug in the beds,

While visions of God’s Son danced in their heads.

And Mrs. Claus in her kerchief and I in my cap

Had just settled down for a quick little nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

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 star, on the eve of the birth of the Lord, 

Gave a light to guide the people toward;

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a girl on a donkey coming into the clear, 

With a strong young man, so worried and wary,

I knew in a moment it must be Joseph and Mary.

More frantic than toy makers their movement they made,

And Joseph knocked and shouted and called, afraid. 

Room here? Room there? A room any place? 

Oh, please! You sir? Oh, some grace!

To the top of the street! To the top of the wall!

Now, come Mary! Come, Mary! Help us, all!

As trouble before his new family did fly,

God removed the obstacle and Mary did sigh.

So out to the stable the couple they flew,

With a marriage full of hope and Baby Jesus too.

And then, in a moment, I heard a small cry,

The ooing and cooing of a tiny little guy.

As I drew in my head and was turning around,

In the field, to the shepherds, the angels did bound.

They were dressed all in white, from their head to their foot,

Shepherds’ clothes were all tarnished with dust and soot.

A tiding of good news they sung into the air,

And they looked like a vision caught up in prayer.

Their eyes, they were blinded! Their heads turned away!

Their faces were flushed, with no words to say.

Angel mouths drawn up like a bow,

Singing and proclaiming, all in a glow.

The form of a Babe she held tight in her arms,

And the visitors, they arrived and succumb to His charms.

He had a loving face, a cute little smile

That glowed, when he looked, in your eyes for a while.

He was chubby and plump, a gracious gift from God.

And they bowed, when they saw Him, with honor and laud.

A blink of His eye and a turn of his head

Soon gave me to know we had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but dozed off to sleep,

And filled our hearts with love, and some began to weep.

And laying his hand aside of his face,

And giving a nod, my heart did race.

Wise men came from following the star,

And down they bowed too, after a journey from afar.

But I heard my heart sing, e’re I thought of this boy,

He has come to fill the world with endless joy!