34. The Son

CHAPTER 34

THE SON

          They left Herod’s palace and made their way towards Bethlehem.  And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them again.  And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

          After their long and miraculous journeys, it seemed as though the distance to Bethlehem was but a few steps.  To be guided from above in a quest to witness in the flesh their One and Only Almighty King brought unspeakable joy to their hearts.  The visions of Isaiah and the prophecies of all the holy prophets before them would soon be their reality.

Now they knew that with God, all things are indeed possible, and they doubted not.  And it seemed as though they saw the heavens opened, and were in the presence of a heavenly choir singing praises to the Almighty God with the music resounding KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

As the sun set below the hills behind them, twelve long shadows cast by men making their way forward on foot faded away.  In their place, new shadows of holy crusaders were created by the brilliance, the intensity, and the nearness of the star to them.  The star was lower and closer and brighter than it had ever been before.

They were led to a simple, modest home in a quiet rural neighborhood away from the major roads and dwellings.  A carpenter’s workshop was located by the side of this humble dwelling.

A man opened the door of the house and stepped outside as the twelve weary, but rejoicing travelers made their way up to him.  “I am Joseph,” he said.  “I was told by the angel to receive you tonight.  A place is prepared for us to keep the Passover together with you.  Please come in.”

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him.  Their worship was grander than a polite bow of respect in greeting.  Their worship was an adoration of the soul, a falling down in gracious gratitude.

They had been treated rudely for most of the day at the royal palace, and now they were humbled beyond measure to be invited into this sacred home and to be welcomed graciously into the presence of their True King, even the Son of God.

          And then they opened their treasures, and presented unto Him the gifts that they had brought; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.