‘Twas the morn’ after Christmas and all through the halls
Not a creature was stirring, not even the dog.
The clothes were unpacked from their luggage with care,
Waiting for a week full of fun, and play fair.
The family was sleeping all warm in their beds
While memories of Christmas day danced in their heads.
And I in my new pajamas, gray pink and black,
Had just arisen from a nice nightly nap.
When in the next room there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter
“We may not be able to attend church today,
I’ve called the branch President; we’ll see what they say.”
Out the window we saw all the new fallen snow;
A rare occurrence for Alabama, my home sweet home.
The road conditions were potentially rough,
But that branch at the lake sure needed our love.
With 30 minutes to spare, we showered and dressed quick,
Then headed off to Jasper, “Let’s hope it’s not slick.”
Much smaller than usual, the numbers that came
All nineteen attendees, my visiting family knew by name.
With the presidency and speakers all up on the stand,
The remaining congregation I could count on one hand.
The meeting began, President welcomed us all,
He thanked us for coming despite the snow fall.
After introducing the program and family to speak,
The first little boy stood up on his feet.
He turned his small head and looked at his mother;
When a giggle arose, he whispered “shut up” to his brother.
After his father rendered a short attitude check,
We watched as his nerves quickly turned to a speck.
The testimony born by this small southern boy
Was on Jesus Christ and Christmas, on happiness and joy.
When he concluded his talk, the spirit filled the room
And the other two children peacefully read Luke 2.
They, too, bore their testimonies on the Savior and his love
On the gift of eternal life, and our Father above.
The mother spoke on Mary, her loyalty and confidence;
The father, blessings and promises of the Atonement.
The spirit was strong the whole meeting through
And confirmed in our hearts the truths we all knew.
The meeting concluded as one last hymn was sung.
Though choppy and pitchy, it sound like bells rung.
We said our goodbyes, gave hugs, and shook hands;
Many asked how school was, what was in my plans.
Auburn football was mentioned, that fact is true;
But who wouldn’t mention the great orange and blue?
Our friends, the Holly’s - an appropriate name,
Agreed that Cam Newton deserves his fame.
Through the windows we watched as the white hills rolled by;
We laughed and we talked and enjoyed the long drive
Home from another wonderful sacrament meeting.
We offered support that they’d greatly been needing.
The true spirit of Christmas is one we cannot see.
It is something we feel when we try to be as He.
It’s service and charity and love for one another
When we treat all around us as sister or brother.
It’s being thankful for the blessings we have in our lives;
The people, the talents, the opportunities, the re-tries.
The true spirit of Christmas should be had through the year
Merry Christmas to all, let’s spread the good cheer : )
