‘Twas the night before Christmas, when up in his loft
The divorced dad was silent; all lights were turned off;
The presents were wrapped on the table with care,
In the hopes that his children soon would be there.
The father prayed blessings for each child by name,
While tears streaked his cheeks and his heart ached with shame;
The wind creaked the window, an old branch blew nigh.
The fan cycled on and it drowned out his sighs.
When up on the roof there arose such a clatter,
Dad sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, he saw all was clear.
He went to door while his thoughts turned to fear.
The yard was still silent, no squirrels on the frost.
The driveway was empty, no driver was lost.
Then light split the darkness. A boom filled the air.
A soldier with wings and bright sword now stood there.
“Fear not!” said the angel, “Stand fast for a time.
The Lord heard your prayers and sent me and my kind
To offer you hope on this dark night of fear.
Your heart could use courage. The Lord sees your tears.
“This Christmas is different, your heart ripped in two;
But the Lord gives His grace and will see you through.
The storms are not over; the rain still will fall;
But God the Almighty is still Lord of all.”
Before Dad could comment the sky filled with light.
Thousands of angels joined the first of the night.
Together they chanted their swords swung aloft,
“Fear not, oh dear father, all hope is not lost.
And with the same speed the whole host disappeared.
One angel descended and drew close and near.
He reached out his hand and gripped the dad’s shoulder.
“Remember, he said, “as your children grow older:
Be patient, be kind, as love is your watchword.
Be truthful, faithful, and point them to God’s Word.
Give comfort to others as friends have to you.
Other men need your comfort to help make it through.
The angel ascended till Dad saw not his face.
Still, the Spirit lay heavy like a blanket of grace.
He turned for the door when he heard the voice shout,
“Merry Christmas, dear father! Never fear! Never doubt!”
©2015 W. Mark Whitlock