By Nancy Rexin Evans
T’was the night before Hanukkah in Old Jerusalem
And all the rabbis were praying, “Baruch HaShem”.
The menorahs were kindled by the windows with care,
In hopes that Messiah soon would be there
The children were stuffed full of doughnuts and jelly
While falafel and humus danced in their bellies.
And I in my kippa and Ema on my lap
Were hoping to settle down for a long Shabbat nap.
When out on the merpeset there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the bus stop I flew like a flash
And jumped on #7, against many people did mash.
The moon, as it shone on the Old City walls
Cast golden shadows on the ancient fortress tall.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels of glory, shouting, “The Messiah draws near!”
Now the little old bus driver, being a Jew
Told everyone to stay calm, he knew just what to do.
More rapid than eagles the heavenly host came,
So he threw open the bus door and called us by name:
“Now Yacov, now Levi, now Rachel and Sarah!
On Avi, on Yossi, on Yitzak and Tara!
Get off of this bus and go up to the wall;
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!
So up to the “Wailing Wall” we flew like the wind
That holy place, where this nation does send
Many prayers for the Messiah to come-
“Shema, Israel, the Lord our God is One!”
And in an eye’s twinkling I saw in the sky
The redemption of Israel now drawing nigh!
As I lifted my head and was turning around,
The great shofar blew, and all heard the sound.
And with a great shout, Messiah appeared
Upon a white horse-and not on reindeer.
He was clothed in splendor, in glorious hue
And on Him was written, “Faithful and True”
His eyes were like fire,
His hair white as snow
His beautiful face, like the sun it did glow!
And when I saw Him I fell at His feet
Yes, I was afraid the Great Saviour to meet.
But the love in His eyes and the crown on His head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke loving words like the sound of many waters,
And said, “Be not afraid, I have come from the Father ”
Now rise up to me, you have nothing to hide
For I have come to make you my Bride.
Remember the babe of Bethlehem?
I now choose you, O Jerusalem!
And on to His throne He ascended with might
And all of the city was filled with great light.
We need no more lamps nor light of the sun,
For to us, at last, Messiah has come!
The End—–or beginning? 🙂