This is the Christmas poem that was presented at our Bethany staff Christmas party! I couldn't figure out how to make the pictures bigger. I apologize for the eye-strain :)

‘Twas the night before finals, when all through the college
All the students were praying for biblical knowledge
No sound could be heard in the dorms on that night
As dreams of the Rapture rescued them from their plight

The faculty too were affected somehow
Though the thought of exams made them smile for now
For holidays, they knew, would soon be here
When marks would be handed in with “good cheer”.
When out o’er the school there arose such a clatter
All Hepburnites ran out to see what was the matter
Away to the college they flew like a flash
All towns people, faculty, students and staff.

O’er the roof of the College all covered in snow
There appeared a sight before all those below
And who in that scene would suddenly appear
In a shiny old sleigh with eight frosty reindeer?
The costumed old driver, so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment it must be President Rick.
More rapid than eagles, the college courses came
When he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
History of Christianity and Spiritual Formation
Anabaptist Theology, Evangelism and Witness
Introduction to Ethics, Genesis and Exodus!
As he called they all came from far and wide
And they settled into the sleigh hovering in the sky
So up above the college, the courses all flew
With the sleigh, the reindeer and President Rick too.
Then we saw all the faculty running around
Gathering marks that had fallen to the ground
From the flying sleigh, the grades did pore
And the students hurried to gather their perfect score
Suddenly Student Development surged into the crowd
Breaking things up and shouting out loud
For the students to get back into their beds
And the faculty to calm down and stop losing their heads.
Although this could be an easier way
In the end it would be the students that pay
For Biblical knowledge handed out on a platter
Means that spiritual growth doesn’t really matter
Of course they were right and they all agreed
To give back the marks and try to succeed
So the faculty encouraged and smiled so bright
While the students went back to their beds for the night.
So the sun arose early that very next day
And the faculty and staff began to pray
The lack of sleep in the dorm last night
Would not stop the students from answering right.
They toiled and worked on every test
And every student tried hard to do their best
And in the end everyone was satisfied
When their fears of failing were unjustified.
But up above the college still flew
President Rick and his reindeer crew
Happy to see that the marks were all right
He laughed and waved and flew out of sight.
So the students are gone for the holidays
Faculty and staff go their separate ways
And though Christmas will bring with it lots of fun
Let’s remember the meaning is Jesus, God’s Son