It would be getting dark soon, Ethan thought, as he turned to lead his sheep up the mountain to rest for the night. “Sir,” Ethan heard and quickly turned back around. Who would ever refer to him as “sir”? Maybe years ago, when he had a family and a home. But not now and not ever again. Except someone did.
Ethan stood facing the strangest scene. A young couple looked extremely tired and what was even more strange the woman was with child, sitting on the back of a very weary donkey. Ethan did not say anything, he did not know if maybe this was a trick of their cruel king.
“We are sorry to bother you, but my wife needs a small rest. May we sit with you for a few moments and if you have any water, could we please bother you for some? My name is Joseph, and this is Mary.”
Ethan realized soon that this was probably one of the many men headed to Bethlehem to register for the census.
“Please,” Ethan said, “sit here on this rock.” He removed his cloak and sat it on the rock for the young woman to sit down on. He had no clue why he did it, but the young woman had a special way about her. She had not spoken, but she did not need to for Ethan to know she was special.
“Thank you,” the woman, Mary, finally spoke. Ethan felt very humbled by her voice like he should bow down or something. Ethan handed the man named Joseph his canteen of water. He was more surprised to see Mary drink from it.
“You’re very kind,” she said looking him in the eyes and smiling. Ethan felt his heart beat faster. What is it about her?
Joseph rose and helped Mary up. “We must hurry, Mary. It is getting dark. Thank you for helping us,” Joseph said.
Ethan watched them until they turned the last corner into the town of Bethlehem. Feeling strangely warm and something he had not felt in many years, a thread of HOPE rose in his heart and soul. Why, he did not know. Ethan led his sheep up the mountain and when they were settled, he went over to the campfire where all the other shepherds were gathered around.
“Who was that couple you were talking to earlier, Ethan?” asked Thomas.
“A young couple headed into Bethlehem for the census,” Ethan answered thoughtfully.
“Well, I sure hope they have family there, or they will never find lodging this late. The woman looked to be ready to give birth,” Thomas said.
“There was something about them,” Ethan said, “but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
“What do you mean?” asked Levi.
“I know it sounds crazy, but when they were talking to me, and as I watched them leave, I felt something I haven’t felt since before the king took my family and home away from me,” Ethan said in a whisper.
“What did you feel?” asked Phillip.
Ethan had everyone’s attention now. “Hope.”
Everyone around the campfire repeated what Ethan had said.
“Hope? How can we as shepherds have hope?” Thomas asked shaking his head.
“I told you it sounded crazy,” Ethan said, as he leaned down to rest, followed by the other shepherds.
A few hours later, Ethan and the other shepherds woke to the sky being lit up like it was the middle of the day. The light was different, and Ethan thought he might be dreaming if it weren’t for the gasps going around the now-dying fire. Their mouths dropped open as they watched an angel appear in the sky. Was this the end for them? Why else would a messenger of the most high God come to them? Before Ethan could say anything, the angel spoke.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).
“Get up, hurry,” Levi said pulling Ethan to his feet. “Let’s go see what the angel was talking about.”
Ethan ran behind his friends, still uncertain about leaving the mountain. A light from a star guided them to the place where the baby was. At first, Ethan could not see anything, but soon the crowd of shepherds parted, and Ethan walked forward. He could not believe what he was seeing. The same couple, Mary and Joseph, were holding a small bundle of pure light. Mary held out her hand to him and he walked forward. Ethan immediately fell to his knees as he took the fragile hand in his. Mary squeezed his hand and said, “He has come for all mankind.”
Ethan realized as he and the shepherds made their way back up the mountain that the small thread of HOPE he felt earlier, now completely encased his heart.
Over two thousand years later, HOPE is still found abundantly in the small baby born in the town of David, “to you.”
Merry Christmas, Everyone.
RevDeb