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Conrad's Great Guest
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! I know this song from my childhood. Only Grandpa Jones could do this song justice. For those of you who are wondering what you are going to do for Christmas since you can't afford your "usual flair"... consider the following.

     It happened one day near December's end
     Two neighbors called on an old time friend.
     And they found his shop so meager and mean
     Made gay with a thousand bows of green.

     And Conrad was sittin' with his face ashined
     When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine.
     And he said, "Oh friends at dawn today
     When the cock was crowin' the night away

     The Lord appeared in a dream to me
     And said, "I'm coming your guest to be."
     So I've been busy with feet astir
     And strewin' my shop with branches of fir.

     The table is spread and the kettle is shined
     And over the rafters the holly is twined.
     And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear
     And listen closely so his step I will hear.

     As He nears my humble place
     I'll open the door and look upon HIs face.
     So his friends went home and left Conrad alone
     For this was the happiest day he had known.

     Long since his family had passed away
     And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas day.
     But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest
     This Christmas would be the dearest and best.

     So he listened with only joy in his heart.
     And with every sound he would rise with a start
     And look for the Lord to be at his door
     Like the vision he'd had a few hours before.

     And he ran to the window after hearing a sound.
     But all he could see on the snow covered ground
     Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn
     And all of his clothes were ragged and worn.

     But Conrad was touched and he went to the door
     And he said, "Your feet must be frozen and sore.
     I have some shoes in my shop for you
     And a coat that'll keep you warmer, too."

     So with grateful heart the man went away
     But Conrad noticed the time of day.
     And he wondered what made the Lord so late
     And how much longer he'd have to wait.

     When he heard a knock he ran to the door
     But it was only a stranger once more.
     A bent old lady with a shawl of black
     And a bundle of kindlin' piled on her back.

     She asked for only a place to rest
     But that was reserved for Conrad's great guest.
     Her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away
     Let me rest for a while on Christmas day."

     So Conrad brewed her a steamin' cup
     And told her to sit at the table and sup.
     But after she left he was filled with dismay
     For he saw the hours were slippn' away

     And the Lord hadn't come as He said He would.
     Conrad felt sure he'd misunderstood
     When out of the stillness he heard a cry
     "Please help me and tell me where am I."

     So again he opened his friendly door
     And stood disappointed as twice before.
     It was only a child who'd wandered away
     And was lost from her family on Christmas day.

     Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad
     But he knew he should make the little girl glad.
     So he called her in and wiped her tears
     And quieted all her childish fears.

     Then he led her back to her home once more
     But as he entered his own darkened door
     He knew that the Lord was not coming today
     For the hours of Christmas had passed away.

     So he went to his room and he knelt down to pray
     And he said, "Dear Lord, why did You delay?
     What kept You from comin' to call on me today?
     For I wanted so much Your face to see."

     When soft in the silence a voice he heard
     "Lift up your head, for I kept my word.
     Three times my shadow crossed your floor
     And three times I came to your lonely door.

     For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet
     And I was the woman you gave something to eat
     I was the child on the homeless street.

    Three times I knocked and three times I came in
     And each time I found the warmth of a friend
     Of all the gifts...love is the best
     And I was honored to be your Christmas guest.

This song is actually entitled "The Christmas Guest" and I heard it online. I googled "Conrad's Great Guest" and the lyrics appeared with a little picture of a fireplace containing the triangle to click, should you desire to hear this song.

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA


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