Picked From The Fields-An Advent Story (Week 3)

 

    As the shepherds neared Bethlehem, the star became even brighter.  Levi looked around and couldn't believe there were no crowds of people traveling to see the Messiah. Where was everyone?  Did they misunderstand the angels? Were they too late?  Despite these doubts, the shepherds were determined to find the newborn King. They stopped outside the town to discuss their next move.

 "Dad, Dad! Look over there. I can see a cave; the star is right over it!" Nathan announced.

 "Nathan, I do not think the Messiah would be born in a cave," Levi answered.

 "Dad, the angel said, 'And this will be the sign you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' I believe it, Dad. We have to go over there!" Nathan's voice was filled with conviction, his belief in the angel's message unwavering. 

 Levi returned his attention to the other shepherds until he heard Abigail scream, "Nathan, come back here!" Nathan ran as fast as his legs would carry him towards the cave. Levi took off after his son, with Abigail close behind.  It was unlike Nathan to disobey. Levi and Abigail caught up to Nathan just outside the cave's entrance.

 Levi grabbed hold of Nathan's arm and pulled Nathan to a stop. "Dad, he's in there.  I can feel him."  Levi was too out of breath to respond.  He was about to lose his anger when a man emerged from the cave.

 "Hello, can I help you?" the man asked with concern.  "We were given permission to stay here.  I spoke with the owner myself."

 Nathan shouted, "We are here to see the Messiah!  The angels said he would be lying in a manger.  And the star is right over us, and," Nathan paused for a moment, "Is he here?  Do you know where he is?"

 The man looked relieved and said, "Please give me a minute to answer you."  He returned inside for a few minutes and then reappeared. "My name is Joseph.  My wife and son are inside. Jesus was just born tonight. My wife, Mary, said I should invite you in. Please come inside."

 With her warm and welcoming smile, Mary knelt next to the manger, her gentle presence filling the cave with a sense of peace and comfort.

 Nathan's eyes lit up as he quietly announced, "It's him!  The baby the angels told us about!" His voice was filled with awe and reverence, acknowledging the Divine Presence before him.

 Mary smiled at Nathan and reached out her arm to pull him closer.  "Tell me, Nathan, do angels talk to you often?"

 "No.  This was the first time!  It was exciting and scary at the same time.  I remember everything they said.  There were lots of them.  And they sang, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' My Mom and Dad heard them, too!  So did the other shepherds. We all came right away."  Nathan stopped to look at the baby lying in the manger.  "He looks like a regular baby, but I feel different around him.  I feel warm inside, and my heart feels like it's growing inside me."  Nathan looked at Mary to see if she understood.

 "Nathan, if an angel has revealed a message from the Lord, I would follow their instructions, too. Trusting the Lord and his desires shows great faith on your part. The Lord must find you very pleasing."

 "I didn't even know the Lord knew who I was.  I'm not very smart.  I don't get to the synagogue very much."

 Abigail and Levi's faces were flushed with shame.  "We should probably try to go more often," Levi said.

 "We are honored to share Jesus with you.  Nathan, would you like to join me in prayer?"  Mary cradled baby Jesus in her arms and sat close to Nathan.

 Nathan nervously looked at his parents and then at Mary holding Jesus.  "I don't really know very many prayers," Nathan admitted.

 Mary smiled at Nathan and said, "I would happily teach you one." Nathan beamed as he listened to Mary praise God. Mary encouraged him to repeat her words as she prayed. Abigail and Levi listened closely, too. This young woman was remarkable. They had never heard someone pray so openly and honestly. They could feel God's love. 

  As they continued to pray, Abigail could hear the other shepherds fall to their knees behind her. Together, they prayed as one. This moment was more glorious than the angels singing.  Imagine being picked out of the fields to pray with the newborn Messiah and his mother. They were nobody, but they were the most blessed on earth at this moment!

-Susan