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On Christmas Eve at 4 a.m. a Voice was heard to say
Jesus your
Lord will visit you -
He'll come on Christmas Day.
Old Annie leapt up from her bed, and soon started
to work.
She washed, she polished and she cooked. Not one
job did she shirk.
The day flashed past -she went to bed to rest each
ache and pain -
In glad anticipation of when Jesus really came.
Before the dawn began to break and sun shone
through the door
The fire was lit and everywhere was dusted just
once more
Annie fed birds with crumbs, and took their water
from her butt,
Hung peanuts in a little net below the coconut
Jesus didn't come to breakfast, So dinner was
prepared.
The stuffed bird was in the oven, with vegetables
she'd share.
The pudding was put on to steam.
The plate had mince-pies on.
Annie thought she'd wash herself and put her best
clothes on.
Rat-a-tat went her big knocker. Ding! went her
rusty bell.
Old Annie opened wide the door. A t her feet
someone fell.
It was girl, unkempt and pale, who regained
consciousness -
to shiver in the frosty air, in her near nakedness.
Old Annie looked in some dismay! Jesus would be
here soon -
to eat the dinner she'd prepared, for it was nearly
noon.
And yet -this girl was in distress; she needed loving
care.
So, Annie served the dinner up and gave her a big
share.
She gave the girl her own best dress, as they ate
some mince-pies
Then Annie kissed her tenderly, as the girl said
‘Good-by’.
When all the washing up was done, old Annie spotted
Tom,
the proud old man who lived alone, because his wife
was gone.
Surely Jesus would not mind if Tom had a sausage
roll -
Then had a piece of Christmas cake, before he had
his stroll ?
Annie turned on the Christmas lights as she waved
Tom "Good-by",
Then she got out all the chestnuts, to roast them
by the fire.
‘Surely' she thought as she sat there Jesus will soon be here -
For Christmas Day is almost gone. She wiped away a
tear.
Annie roasted every chestnut, then took them all
next door
Where many children had no Dad, and Mum was always
poor.
the clock struck ten, our Annie thought she had
misunderstood.
If only Jesus Christ had come.
She'd been so sure He would.
Then, in the stillness, His Voice said "I did come, for you see
Each thing that My disciples do, is being done for
Me.
I came first as a little bird; then a girl, weak
and faint.
I came as Tom, the proud old man who ate your
Christmas cake.
I enjoyed chestnuts you roasted and gave so
willingly.
Each thing that you have given today has been given
to Me
As Annie laid down on her bed she heard the Angels
sing
Glory to God, and Peace to those who worship Christ
the King.
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