12/20/2025
A Christmas Eve in the Shoals
’Twas the night before Christmas throughout the Shoals,
And voices rang out with familiar carols and songs.
Children lay restless, their eyes all aglow,
Dreaming of Santa and gifts soon bestowed.
In churches, the faithful sang joyfully strong,
Remembering clearly why this season belongs—
Not merely to custom or candle or tree,
But to grace and redemption, so freely given and free.
In homes, families gathered, old traditions renewed,
Recounting the stories their childhoods once knew,
Remembering moments, both humble and grand,
That first marked the coming of hope to the land.
The river flowed steady, the old dam agleam,
City lights shimmered along the high bluff’s serene sheen.
The highway lay quiet, the rush settled down,
Though some still drove on to see lights in the town.
Now Santa assembles his team and his sleigh,
The elves make their ready—he won’t long delay.
As children of the Shoals drift softly to bed,
The reindeer stand waiting for Santa’s slight nod of the head.
When morning breaks forth on this blessed day,
Santa rests homeward, his work tucked away.
And as we delight in the sights and the sound,
Let us remember the truth that this season is crowned:
The love of our Lord, so enduring, so sure—
That gift is the reason, steadfast and pure.
