Editor’s Note: We thank Bill Crump of Crestview for sharing this poem.
Though the News Bulletin usually does not publish poems, it is the Christmas season and we had some unexpected space to fill, so we hope you enjoy this one.
On the throne in Pearly Heights
seated to the right
Jesus helped to rule the Realms
through endless days and nights
Many angels were informed
by Him they earned their wings
and choirs of cherubs all performed
at His directorings
Back down on Earth in ages lost
to times long forward march
there came a day when Jesus called
all back to Peter's arch
Lining up were many whom
had records of great deeds
for helping numerous fellow men
in times of their dire needs
The gate beneath the arch was small
all entered one by one
the line was stretched out timelessly
into oblivion
St. Peter had his rules to which
all aspirants were test
Each deemed of worth was processed in
as an eternal guest
Somewhere along that endless line
in white and red array
a bearded jolly pudgy soul
lay snoring in a sleigh
Sometime in that infinity
a sleigh slugged to the gate
where Peter either "God forbids!"
or he congratulates
"Your name sir?" he inquired right off
"I'm Santa" was replied
and though the endless list was scanned
no Santa was identified
"There may be quite a problem here"
St. Peter said befuddled
"I'd better check with my Boss sir
these records may be muddled"
He dialed the hot line number
which patched him to the Throne
To tell Jesus: "we've got a 'Santa’
who to us is unbeknown
"And Lord here in our records
since no Santa does exist
should I allow a conference
or should he just be dismissed"
"How strange my dear gate keeper
what our records do not show
because the name of Santa
rings a bell with Us you know"
"Perhaps, dear Jesus, if You would
since this line may never end
come down here to help me judge
if this Santa should come in"
"Beloved Peter I will certainly
lend you My helping hand
I'm teaching holy angel school
And I'II come quick as I can"
A few light years passed
in a time that did not matter
for in forever it is different
from what was worldly pitter-patter
When Jesus walked down to St. Pete
from the Fortress up above
the aura they were standing in
glowed brilliant from His love
Startled by such brightness
Santa waking from a snooze
called out the name "RUDOLPH ???"
much to Jesus's amuse
"Santa" St. Pete beckoned
as Santa waddled forth
"Please meet the Savior, Jesus
Who will talk to you henceforth"
They glided on their silver wings
down to that plump physique
and gave an amazed Santa
a kiss upon each rosy cheek
Santa turned around to Jesus
who was no longer there
He looked back toward the gate
what he saw froze fast his stare
Along the cherished highway
leading to the Fortress strong
were spread a zillion angels
singing "Here Comes Santa" songs
At the gate old Santa noticed
its stern keeper teary eyed
who quickly beckoned Santa
then threw the gate open wide
Far more self-conspicuous
than he had ever been
Santa trudged up to the gate
stumbling, bumbling in
He sauntered up the highway
past the cheering angel throngs
into the mighty kingdom
right up to the hallowed Thrones
Inside Santa saw Lord Jesus
Who was holding out His hand
then Jesus looked at God and said
"Let Me introduce this man
"My Father, this is Santa Claus
he came from earth as I
Just why he wasn't on the list
I'll try to clarify
"For Father he was never real
in flesh, though it matters naught
for Heaven does not admit flesh
although many think it ought
"To get to Heaven's hallowed gate
and join the privileged ranks
one's soul believes in good
and to evil says ‘No thanks!’
"Dear Father he was wonderful
throughout his endless life
he gave full his self to others
as did his helpers and his wife
"He was more than representative
of the Gift You gave to man
he was evidence of Your goodness
and his methods were so grand"
"Jesus," broke in His Father
"Let me ask a question here
so I can fully understand
and make this matter clear"
The Lord then queried, "Santa,
Why are you so adored?"
Santa said, "Is it because:
I love Your children Lord?"
"Well, Santa" said his Highness
"We have no records on you sir
and without such documentation
We normally issue a transfer"
Santa, who was now confused,
was at a loss for words
All he remembered was a 'POOPF!'
while he was tending reindeer herds
"Santa could you tell Me,"
Jesus softly said
"Who you were and what you did
or it's 'you know where,’ I dread"
Santa's tummy grumbled
and he mumbled a "pshaw"
when at that moment passing
glanced an angel down in awe
The angel had a trumpet
and she raised it to her lip
The joyous blast that followed
even startled His Lordship
A radiance glistened Heaven
Tears of joy fell from the eyes
of a multitude of cherubs
who had filled God's lovely skies
Carefully Jesus studied Santa
whose smile was beaming bright
at the mirthful gleaming faces
of the angels taking flight
The Lord looked down at Santa
in understanding found anew
"There are no sleighs in Heaven
but I have a job for you
"When My children come to visit
they seem stupored and in fear
and they talk so hesitatingly
in this churchy atmosphere
"For sugarplums and lollipops
in Heaven are not found
angels, harps, and trumpets
are the only things around
"One's soul's the only suitcase
each is asked to bring above
for in Paradise the beauty
is import of peace and love
"So please be seated Santa
on my left right next to me,
all my children now will sparkle
for I will place them on your knee"
Then Santa laughed and Jesus smiled
Their Father grinned and boast,
"Here now we three complete my Throne
Father, Son, and Holy… gho …ah …. Host"
***
Furthermore throughout all time
unending, far, and wide
the fear of God is gone from child
since Santa's by his side.
Copyright 2007, Bill Crump. All rights reserved; reprinted with permission
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Day Jesus Met Santa