The elves were busy, the time was near
when Santa would leave, led by eight reindeer.
Gifts were made and brightly wrapped
While back in his room, good Santa napped.
As the time came, he was fully awake.
Ready and rested for the trip he would make.
He went house to house leaving wishes and dreams
But soon realized all was not as it seemed.
He passed over churches and heard voices singing
He visited places where glad bells were ringing.
A bright light was shining way up in the sky
Blinding the reindeer who could not fly
He got misdirected near Bethlehem town
and finally ordered the eight reindeer down.
The people were gathering all in one site,
“Odd,” Santa thought, “for so late in the night.”
He followed them into the stable nearby
and heard a small sound like a mourning dove’s cry.
Santa drew close to the manger of straw
And found himself kneeling in wonder and awe.
Before him, held close in the arms of his mother
Quiet and watchful, a child like no other.
This child was Christmas, the good Santa knew
A gift from the Lord, an infant so new.
So Santa stood up and walked back to his sleigh
He drew up the reins and was soon on his way.
They say that he never forgot that blest night
He met a young babe, because of a light.
He always kept Christ in the season each year
Reminding all folk of good reason to cheer.
And so I pass on, in remembrance just right.
Merry Christ-mas to all – and to all a good night!
Copyright 2012 Judith Shields Regini
