The holiday season can cause drama, but you dont need to be a part of it. Here’s an adaptation of the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem with a helpful holiday reminder.
‘Twas a few days before Christmas
and all through the house,
Mom was rushing and running,
she was trying not to grouse.
The stockings were missing, yet nobody cared,
Mom was excited that loved ones soon would be there.
The children had no interest in making their beds,
visions of candy and online games filling their heads.
While Mom clutched her Stanley cup and made herself a snack,
she checked her to-do list and planned her attack.
When her phone started buzzing, notifying her of chatter,
She rushed right over to see what was the matter.
Her sister text about an unfortunate mash,
between their mom, their aunt and an ugly verbal clash.
“Should we get involved?” Mom’s sister begged to know.
Mom coached herself to pause real slow.
“Dear sister,” Mom text back, “We love them so dear,”
“But this matter is between them, so we shouldn’t interfere.”
Her sister’s reply was angry and quick.
Mom’s advice was one her sister wouldn’t pick.
Mom took a deep breath and saw a nearby frame.
A picture of her Bible study group – She knew each woman by name.
There was Ruth and Ora, plus Sandra and Jan,
Then Jessica and Ebonie, Dodi and Dianne,
These women covered Mom with prayer and check-in calls,
Through life’s ups and downs, the triumphs and the falls.
They met every week to study and pray,
They learned how to let go, find peace, and trust God all the way.
Mom steeled her resolve to avoid taking a side.
Her sister wasn’t happy, but took Mom’s decision in stride.
They ended their convo and Mom set down her phone,
Grateful in the moment she wasn’t alone.
“God, thank you for wisdom, grace, and peace,
I give over this problem, into Your hands I release,
my anxieties, my worries, and all of my fears,
I give thanks that You are God and so near.”
Then, Mom picked up her cup, her tasks to restart,
and grateful for God’s renewed peace in her heart.
-by Barb Roose, December 2024
Author’s Note: This poem was originally shared in my weekly Happy Monday email devotional. The names in Mom’s group are readers from that AMAZING devotional community.
It’s my joy to write this weekly devotional and start off their week with Jesus and a smile. If you’d like to recieve my Happy Monday devotional, click here and I’d love to send it to you.
