Upheld In Awe

“DON’T BE AFRAID!”

Boomed the voice of the Great Being hovering in the sky.  A man with wings? And glowing robes? And giant sized?

Before Amos could think all this, he tried to cover his rounded eyes with one arm and threw the other over his father in a protective move. As if he could shield either of them.

“I bring you Good News! For all people.  In the City of David below, Christ the Savior is born. You’ll find Him wrapped up in a feeding trough in a cave. Go and see!”

As the words stopped, Amos’ heart nearly did, too, when a thunderous music began and many giant, glowing beings filled the sky as far as they could see. Every crevice on the hill was exposed as the singing came to a crescendo and sound echoed from hill to hill. Amos thought his ears would blow out and covered them with his hands.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to men!”

Suddenly, all was dark and quiet again. Amos rubbed his eyes, then his face with both hands, and sat up. What happened? Had he dreamed the apparitions?

But no. He could still hear the song ringing through his ears ever more loudly in the quiet.

“Father?” He intended to whisper, but it came out nearly a shout. He willed his limbs to stop trembling.

When no answer came, Amos leaned over his father. The man was transfixed by the pulsating light from the star into the caves below.

“We must go,” he said hoarsely, “and see this thing which the Lord has told us about. Come. Help me up.”

Amos got to his feet and pulled his father up.  Then he leaned over to fetch both staffs. “What of the sheep?”

Father never took his eyes from the star’s light. “If the Lord has sent His messengers to command us to go, then He will provide for the sheep until we return. Let us go.”

The tap of Father’s staff led the way down the hill, following the course of the star. They did not speak again.

Nor did they speak as they met other shepherds streaming off the hills around Bethlehem. A crowd of silent men grew with the tapping of staffs as they skirted the town on all sides toward the light in the caves.

Finally, the hollows opened and the light spilled the Truth of all the angels had said.