BRIGHT CHRISTMAS

It was Christmas Eve Day here at Firehouse 3,
As Gus helped with Santa at Mobile Bay Mall.
Along our floor came some boxes, some bells, and a wreath,
And beneath it was Max, trying hard not to fall.

Sherman and Chief were out manning the corner,
To fill up the boot for the Star of Hope youth.
Then Max went to work on the second floor dormers,
Dangling some lights from his doggie house roof.


Frazier and Green wrapped up Gus’s new toys,
As Doc read aloud from the Dixie Gazette,
“The last time we had snow was when Chief was a boy,
Though they’re forecasting frost and our coldest night yet.”

Preston and Brown picked up dinner from Arthur’s,
Where the car hops were dressed up as little green elves,
Then hit the store for some brownies, some buns, and some butter,
Enough for all of our guests here from Firehouse 12.


The mall was now closed and as Gus rode on home,
There came a strange yellow glare up ahead like a cloud.
The bus dropped him off, to the station he strolled,
As the glowing grew brighter and music more loud.

From the thump of the speakers the firehouse shook,
The noise could be heard from the 2nd Street bridge.
Traffic backed up while the cars slowed to look,
As the street lights grew dim from the load on the grid.


Then Gus caught a glimpse of their doghouse out back,
Electric candy canes, mistletoe, snowman lights flashed.
The roof sagged from the load of the train and the tracks,
And on top of it all was that little dog Max.

“What are you doing on top of our roof?
Are you waiting for Santa, or reindeer that fly?”
“Gus, come up here at once and please help me to look,
I’m searching for God, and I’ve heard He’s Most High.”


As Gus climbed the ladder he started to chuckle,
The people in darkness have seen a great light!
“Max, off with your search beams and spot lamps and sparkles,
You’ll never find God when your house is so bright.”

So they pulled out the plug and at once it was dark,
Then lifted their eyes and looked up to the night.
Seeing billions of stars, that young Beagle remarked,
“That must be God, for I’ve heard He is light.”


“The heavens declare the great work of His hands,
His almighty sovereignty, splendor, and skill,
But the stars are not Him, Max, you don’t understand,
If you want to know God you must listen, be still.”

As Max cut the music there came a new song,
“I’m hearing some bells, did an angel get wings?”
“Only in movies you silly old dog,
You’re listening to carolers sing of the King.”


“Where is his castle? I haven’t a clue!”
“He lives in your heart, He’s the King of the Jews.”
Though Gus kept explaining, poor Max was confused,
Then as they sat there in silence they heard a small “Mew!”

They jumped down from their doghouse and ran to the gate,
That dotted Dalmatian and Beagle so small,
Then jumped up a pile of empty old crates,
And climbed to the top of the back alley wall.


Secured by a scarf, they scaled down through the dark,
Then searched that slim street by the shine of the stars,
And found the source of that sound that they’d heard from their yard,
Beneath a pile of boxes behind an old car.

As it emerged from the shadows those dogs turned to look,
It was the tiniest kitten with bluest eyes sad.
“This little one’s lost, I bet mom’s worried sick,
We need to take her back home, but she hasn’t a tag.”


As Gus calmed the kitten, that young Beagle yelped,
“Look at that lamp! That’s her mug on the post!”
Gus read, “Kitten named Ginger, 11 East Elm,
Lost since November, last seen by the coast.”

So they ran to get Chief, who grabbed Booster Truck 4,
And headed out to the island and silvery strand.
They raced from the truck to the walk to the door,
And then, “Momma! She’s home!” cried that small Lucy Ann.


“We’ve still got some time before eight o’clock church,”
So Chief took those dogs down to Carson’s Bay Beach.
They saw the lights on the boardwalk and played with the birds,
Then looked to the ocean and pondered the peace.

As they stood by the shore on that cold winter night,
They marveled in awe at the wonderful sight,
To the bright starry heights the dogs gazed in delight,
When down from the sky came those flakes big and white.


I woke up from my dream and was whiter than snow,
Reflecting the light of His radiant blaze.
For the forgiveness and grace that He gladly bestowed,
I give Him the glory and honor and praise.

He came down to earth and was born in a manger,
The Alpha, Omega, and Ancient of Days.
He saves me from sin and He spares me from anger,
The greatest gift of the Father, I’m ever amazed.


David J Allen
December 24, 2005


Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.”


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