If Christ Should Come Tonight by Martha Snell Nicholson
Published March 18, 2018 | 
Is my house set in order
if Christ should come today?
What tasks would be unfinished
if I were called away?
Suppose an angel told me
at early morning light,
“Your Lord will come this evening,
You shall go home tonight,”
Would ecstasy be clouded
by thought of work undone,
The seed I might have scattered,
The crown I might have won?
The soul I meant to speak to,
the purse I meant to share,
And oh the wasted moments
I meant to spend in prayer!
The weight of unsaved millions
would press upon my heart.
In their death am I certain
that I had not a part?
And such a few short moments
In which to set things right!
How feverishly I’d labor
Until the waning light!
O slothful soul and careless heart,
O eyes which have no sight, –
Work, lest you reap but vain regrets!
Your Lord “may” come home tonight!
6 Responses to If Christ Should Come Tonight by Martha Snell Nicholson
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My mother introduced me to this poem in the latter part of 1940s. She got it from the wife of a moravian minister in Nicaragua. This was my first lesson about being prepared for the return of Jesus. I was searching the internet for old poems I first heard and I am to find this one again. It is said that Martha Snell Nicholson posted it in July 27,2011, I wonder who was the original author.
Sorry, I noticed it was posted by Michelle. Martha Snell Nicholson seems to have been the author.
Hi I posted the entry but she wrote the poem. It says in the title. :)
Thanks for clarification. I like your post and the poem brings back memories.
I found like a pamphlet with this poem written in the 1990's. I read and felt moved by the message. I thought it would be a blessing to put music in this nice poem so we can share it to many people. I just don't know who to ask to for permission. I would appreciate anyone who could help. God bless!
Have been reading Streams In The Desert Vol 1 and 2 and Springs in the Valley for over 30 years now. Truly, it has been so many times……”a word fitly spoken!