As we approach Christmas this year, I’m once again reminded of the powerful role traditions play in our lives. They connect us to our past, anchor us in the present, and provide a sense of continuity in a world that can feel anything but steady.
One tradition that means a great deal to me — and to our family — is the publishing of “The Night Before Jesus Came.” For nearly 30 years, this poem has been part of the Minden Press-Herald’s Christmas season. My father began the tradition in the mid-1990s, and we have continued it as a way to share a message of faith and reflection with our community.
This year, the poem appears on our Opinion page — just above this column — and I encourage every reader to take a few moments to read it. Don’t just skim it. Really ponder its message. It’s more than a holiday rhyme; it’s a call to reflect on why we celebrate this season in the first place. In the midst of lights, gifts, and gatherings, “The Night Before Jesus Came” brings us back to the heart of Christmas: the gift of Jesus, the promise of salvation, and the reminder to live with readiness and hope.
As I reflect on this tradition, I also think about the countless others that make Christmas meaningful for each of us, decorating the tree, attending candlelight services, cooking family recipes, or simply gathering together around a table. These moments matter. They create memories and reinforce the values we hold dear.
And for those who may not have long-standing traditions, this season is a perfect time to start. Traditions don’t have to be elaborate. They just need to be meaningful. Maybe this year, you decide to read a Christmas story aloud with your children. Maybe you start writing down things you’re thankful for as a family. These small acts can become powerful rituals that your family looks forward to year after year.
If you find yourself feeling rushed or overwhelmed in these final days before Christmas, I invite you to pause. Step away from the to-do lists and the stress. Carve out a quiet moment, light a candle, or sit by the tree. Let your heart be still. Let the peace of the season remind you of the love that surrounds you, and the love that came down to us so many years ago in a manger.
As we near the end of another year, I’m also struck by how important it is to slow down. The hustle and bustle of December can easily crowd out the peace we so desperately seek. But if we pause, just for a moment, to appreciate what we have, who we love, and why we celebrate, we might just rediscover the joy that so often gets buried beneath the busyness.
May this Christmas season bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of hope. Take time to be present with the people you love. Cherish the old traditions, and don’t be afraid to start new ones.
And above all, let the true meaning of Christmas shine through in everything you do.
Merry Christmas!
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.
The Night Before Jesus Came
‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their 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 her 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 flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters 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 this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had 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 a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this 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 near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after ALL!
Source unknown (Variously attributed to Randy Story, Stormy Gale, Lou Pinter, and Audrey Patricia Woolverton)