Picked From The Fields - An Advent Story (Week 1)

 

  It was a typical evening in the Judean countryside. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the fields. Abigail was busy preparing a meager dinner for her family. "Nathan, please fetch my basket," Abigail called out to her young son, Nathan. Nathan found the basket in its usual spot in the corner. He shook out the crumbs from the previous night and then handed the basket to his mother. "The sun is setting, and your father will bring the herd in for the night. We need to hurry. He will be hungry."

 "Can I stay all night with Dad tonight?  I could help him watch the sheep."

  Abigail picked up the basket, headed for the door, and signaled Nathan to follow. “You must discuss that with your father when we see him. Let him eat first. Don't bother him with requests until he has rested and eaten something."

  Nathan smiled. As far as he was concerned, that was one step closer to a "yes."

   Abigail and Nathan placed the blanket at the edge of the field and waited for Levi to return with the flock. They waited for a long time. The sun had set, and darkness slowly spread across the fields.

"When is he going to get here?  I'm hungry.  Can't we just eat without him?" begged Nathan.

  "No, Nathan. We will wait for your father. He must be having trouble with the flock."

"Do you think he was attacked by wolves?"

 Abigail shot Nathan an obvious sign of dismay. "Nathan, please, you are not making this wait easier with such thoughts.  Why don't you study the stars like your father has taught you?  One day, you may arrive back late with the sheep, too.  You will need to know the path home."  As Nathan chatted about the stars, Abigail nervously bit her lip, hoping everything was okay.  She noticed none of the other men were back yet, either.  Something was definitely wrong.

 More time passed, and Abigail tried hard to remember the prayers her mother had taught her. Nathan rested his head on her lap, and the two began to doze off.  Suddenly, Nathan sat up.  "I can hear them! Mom. I hear the sheep!"

 Abigail looked out towards the dark hills, straining to hear as well.  "Oh, I think you are right, Nathan!  Come on, let's go meet them."  Abigail and Nathan quickly rose to their feet and headed toward the first hill. Abigail was surprised they could see the path so clearly.  The stars seemed to be incredibly bright tonight.

  Nathan began running and calling out his name when he saw his father. Levi looked tired, but his face lit up as his son ran towards him.  "Dad, we were waiting for you!  Mom was worried, but I knew you would be alright."  Levi smiled and wrapped his arms around his son.  It had been a difficult day herding the sheep, but everything seemed better now.

  Breathless, Abigail joined the embrace. "You're very late!" she scolded, wrapping her arms tight around her husband.

  "I'm sorry.  It couldn't be helped.  We almost lost a few today," Levi answered, "I hope you brought food with you.  I'm starving."

  As Abigail looked up to smile at Levi, she noticed an incredible light in the sky.  Levi followed his wife's gaze.  "What in the world is that?

  The light became more brilliant.  The entire hill was lit up.  Levi could see the other shepherds returning with their flocks as if it were day.  Both scared and excited, they all walked forward toward the light. A heavenly figure appeared out of the light, saying, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today, in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.  And this will be the sign you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Then the sky was filled with heavenly angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

  No one said a word while the angels praised God.  Their voices were beautiful and powerful simultaneously, and no one felt the chill of the night air.  The sight was spectacular! Abigail wondered if they were in the heavens or still on earth as her heart seemed to soar upwards toward the light.  And then, as quickly as the light appeared, they were gone, but their heavenly voices would be an everlasting memory.
(To be continued...)
-Susan