This is an article with much controversy concerning the author. After a bit of research, this is what information I could find about where it originated... and the poem itself:
It was written by Reverend Edward M. Gionest, Sr. for a church service. He penned it on a large legal yellow pad and claims to still have the original copy that he wrote back in the 70's. Several of the church members who are still around, and still remember the service, have confirmed this origination.
Then, we find that Dianne Frances Donenfield went to the Library of Congress and submitted an official copyright of the poem in her name in the year 2000.
In between these times, there was a large coffee table poetry book put together by Herbert Brokering and illustrated by Werner Willis Copyright 1977 / 1978 and published by Concordia Publishing House in St. Lous, Mo.
On top of this, I read of a new ager Christian woman who supposedly wrote it and became angry at the world for "stealing" her poem. She could never provide any proof of having written it at all.
The most convincing of these authors in my own heart was Reverend Gionest, Sr. as his final words regarding the poem were that it did not matter to him who took credit for the poem. He was glad that it has spread and got published and that so many people's lives have been influenced because of it.
Now, if this does not take me back to the Biblical story of King Solomon's judgment of the two women with the the one baby -- and both of them claiming the child was theirs. King Solomon tells the women that he will split the baby in two with his sword and they each can have half of the child. The first woman says, "fine, let's do that." The second tells King Solomon to give the child to the first woman. King Solomon realizes by the attitude who was the real mother as she would not have her own child die, but would sacrifice the child to another so that it may live. Seems to me that I'm finding it easier to believe in my heart that Reverend Gionest, Sr. may be the authentic author of this wonderful poem as his intentions for the poem are the most sincere.
Be that as it may, here is the poem that really touched my own heart this season. I received in an e-mail forward with no name attached:
Twas the Night before Jesus Came
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a person was praying, not one in the house.
The Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on lap
Was watching the late show while I took a nap.
When out of the east there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I made a mad dash,
Pulled open the curtains and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment that this must be The Day!!
The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus -- returning just like He said!
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the book of life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here, " my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without sound
While all of the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight!!!
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing so near.
There's only one life and when it comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all.
As we ponder this poem, let us remember that we just celebrated Christmas -- when God sent Jesus to this earth to die on the cross for us so that we may live... the choice is ours. He made the way. My prayer is that each person will not find themselves wishing they had listened. I pray that each person and soul would find God. Along with this, I pray that all who read this will be blessed in the New Year. I pray most of all that you find Jesus and the peace that He gives. There are so many things wonderful about Christianity... we have a Savior... we have been sent a Holy Spirit to guide us... and we have a God who loves us and wants us to love others, more than we love ourselves. Even if we face ridicule for saying these words, we care enough to face it so that if one soul would be touched, all the ridicule would not matter at all. There is no way to battle against love. Let there truly be Peace on Earth and Good Will to Man!
Love in Christ and blessings for the New Year to you and yours,
Debbie
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