17th Annual Great American Song Contest
First Place winner / Lyric Writing category

"Christmas in Glory"
© Michelle Porter
Rapid City SD

Mama spread the tablecloth
She had made from bright red flannel
Joyful carols blared all day
On our local radio channel
Mama said we’d best behave
With Gram and Granddad dropping by
And when she had to cry
She quickly dried her eyes

And it was Christmas in Glory
Pine boughs on the door
Sugar cookies, popcorn strings
Angels made with paper wings
Prayers went to heaven
Wishing for a world at peace
And it was Christmas in Glory
Glory, Tennessee

Daddy was away at war
It was hard, and we sure missed him
He hadn’t written for three months
Letters that he signed with kisses
Gram and Granddad said their son
Was brave, and we could all be proud
And we were wondering now
But never said out loud

Would he spend Christmas in Glory
Through a pearly door
Would he walk with Jesus there
No more fighting, no more fear
Prayers went to heaven
Give us strength if it must be
If he spent Christmas in Glory
But not in Tennessee

That silent night we got the telegram
Mama read it with a trembling hand     
It started, Madam, and she almost hit the floor
When it ended, Take a look on your front porch

And it was Christmas in Glory
When he stepped in the door
Gave us kisses brushed with snow
Pulled Mama to the mistletoe
Prayers went to heaven
For the gift we had received
And it was Christmas in Glory
Glory, Tennessee

© Michelle Porter