All of Amos’ nerve endings were tangled as he and Father followed the other shepherds still streaming down the sides of Bethlehem’s hills. A hush prevailed.
Father was moving faster than was safe for him, his staff tapping an uneven rhythm. Amos kept a tight grip on his arm.
Could this really be the long awaited Messiah? But – here? In a cave that housed animals? Laying in a feeding trough? Amos thought he remembered something from the Scriptures to say that Messiah would come to Bethelem, but shouldn’t the birth of a King be heralded from a palace with trumpets and fanfare?
Light and color blazed across his eyesight and he stumbled. The cave openings were before them. Shepherds began to kneel and Amos felt his own knees weaken as his father dropped to the ground.
Of course. Understanding flooded through Amos with the scene before him. Trumpets and fanfare had indeed announced this King’s birth. It had been shouted from the heavens – not limited to manmade cities and palaces. And to lowly shepherds! Amos bowed his head.
But he couldn’t help himself, he had to look. What wonder! The cave was lit with torches from within and without as shepherds held their lights aloft. The animals were there, of course, and many shadowed and bowed heads before him. Then he swallowed and gaped as a tiny fist rose from the manger. Tears filled his eyes. Messiah!
The man and woman sat by the Baby and regarded the shepherds. The man nodded and the woman picked up the Baby and held Him up for all to see.
The silence turned to murmurs.
“Praise be to God!”
“Remember us, Oh God!”
“Our God is One God!”
“There is none like You, Oh God!”
“Out of Jesse will come a Branch!”
“To save us!”
“Wonderful Counselor!”
“Mighty God!”
“Salvation has come!”
“Praise be to God! Our Messiah has arrived!”
Soon men began to melt away, returning to their flocks. Amos could not tear his eyes away from the Baby Savior even as he helped his father to his feet.
“Come, son. They need to be private now. We have seen the Messiah. I am content.”
With surprise, Amos whispered, “As am I, Father.”
After one more look at the Miracle at the cave, Amos turned his father and they trekked back to their flocks.
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