'Twas the Night before Christmas on My Mission

'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the town
Not a smile was a gleaming
Not even a frown

The shoppers were bustling
Ignoring the lights
The carol they sang was
"Ich hab' keine Zeit!"

And I, in my name tag
And my comp in his too
Were still working pavement
To find someone new

When down by the Kiosk
There arose such a clatter
I quickened my step
To see what was the matter

When what to my wondering Eyes should appear
But an Elder, a man
And a cake that was smeared

My companion was begging
The gentleman's pardon
And wiping off frosting
Before it could harden

The man only laughed
As we cleaned off the gook
So we started to talk
Then we gave him a book

He said he would read it
And promised to pray
Then thanked my companion
That he'd walked in his way

We took down his number
And set up a date
Then hurried back home
We were already late

We called up the office
To tell them we're home
Pres. said "Alles Gute!"
Then hung up the phone

My companion was sleeping
All sound in his bed
While visions of packages
Danced in his head

The Gold Toes were hung
On the heater with care
In the hopes that they'd dry
So I'd have something to wear

And I, with my teeth brushed
And my scriptures all read
Knelt down for a prayer
Then hopped into bed

When out in the hallway
There came such a klang
I jumped out of bed
Hit the floor with a bang

I stumbled through darkness
Hit my knee on a chair
Stubbed my toe on the desk
And I wanted to swear

But in the spirit of Christmas
I guarded my tongue
Then turned off the alarm
With the morning begun

"It's Christmas," I reasoned
"Better start it off right." So Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!