A Christmas Monologue: Imagine
The old shepherd mingled with the small group of pilgrims headed up to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. As the evening darkened, he introduced himself to the stragglers at the end of the line who had just started a small fire to ward off the nighttime chill:
"Greetings my friends. I, too, am headed to the Passover feast. May I join you by the fire? Bless you. My name is Micah. I have been a shepherd here in the hills of Judea practically my entire life. What a beautiful place to tend the flocks! The rolling hills of the Judean countryside, the many small, still pools for the sheep to drink--I would not trade places with anyone. And to spend a night under the stars of promise . . . magnificent. I am not the young whippersnapper I use to be; just an old one now, but my life is full. I go to the Passover as often as I can get away, full of expectations.
Can I tell you my story? Oh, it's not a story story--it really happened to me over thirty years ago, but I love to tell the story. You may think that I am a senile old man making up fantasies--but it is not so. It happened when my friends and I were on the night shift--keeping watch over the flock, keeping them safe from predators. I loved the night shift--dark, still, the million stars of promise. Stars of promise? Oh, you know the story, don't you? Jehovah called Abraham out of his tent and into the darkness: "Look up Abraham and tell me what you see. Yes, a million, million stars. I make you a promise My friend: your descendants shall be as numerous as those stars." And childless Abraham looked up at those stars, and though he could never do the math, he believed God! "I believe my God that you will--not can--will make it so." What faith! (Jehovah, of course, knows the numbers of the stars and calls them all by name!). Abraham's answer so delighted God's heart that He gave our father an even greater gift. "Abraham, because of your faith in My promise, I declare you righteous." Declared righteous! The greatest gift of all!
Anyway, I digress. Back to the hillside! It was chilly--like tonight--so we had started a few small fires. Bright enough to let the predators know we were there. Not so bright as to frighten the sheep. Sheep are such stupid and paranoid creatures. No wonder God compares us to them--a little slow and paranoid, eh? I was standing at the very edge of our campsite--right where the light of the fire begins to fade and the darkness begins. I was standing there, rod and staff in hand, listening to the sheep and taking in the stars. (I'm one of those stars you know. A star of the promise!) Suddenly, the countryside turned as bright as day--brighter! I turned--and here you may begin to doubt me--I saw an angel--as radiant as the sun. Petrified--I was petrified. My knees were knocking together--doing the Belshazzar waltz--but I couldn't move. And then the angel spoke. "Don't be afraid, Joel, be still Levi, Andrew, be courageous Micah. I bring you good news--the gospel. Fear not!" And at his voice I went from terrified to perfect peace. "This very day has been born for you--in Bethlehem--the Christ, the Messiah, your Savior. You must go to Bethlehem and find Him. You will know Him for He is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." I confess. I was incredulous. The Messiah born in a manger. Come on. But a whisper touched my doubts. "Yes, Micah, the Messiah was born into one of the poorest families in all Israel. Who is like Jehovah?" My doubts fled. And suddenly the whole angel choir showed up. They surrounded us, shouting and singing, "Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth to men of good will! The hills echoed! We couldn't help ourselves and joined in wholeheartedly. "Glory to God in the highest!!" And then, whoosh, as suddenly as they appeared they were gone. We stood in the fading light of our fires, the night closing in, silence everywhere except for the bleating of the sheep, the stars of promise growing brighter in the darkness. Impetuous me--I took off for Bethlehem. "Let's go my friends. The angel told us to go and find our Savior! Come on. You can't tell an angel, "No." Don't worry--they'll keep watch over the sheep."
So off we went. Laughing, shouting, dancing, running, standing still and looking at each other in wonder. What a journey! And a short one. We made good time believe me. When we reached the city, we began to search. Not too difficult. Bethlehem is such a tiny city. Then, I heard Joel whisper. "Look! I see candle light in that stable." We cautiously peeked inside. A young woman lay back on a bed of sorts. You could see her exhaustion. But how beautiful she was! A mother with child--is there anything more beautiful? Next to her stood her husband, his arm around her giving her his strength. Oh, you could tell they were in love. She had her head resting on his shoulder. (A sure sign of love gentlemen--head resting on the shoulder--trust me.)
We barged in. Well, I did--and the guys followed me. We scared them, of course. "Oh, I'm sorry. Don't be afraid. Angels send us to find you--to see your baby. You probably don't believe in angels from God giving messages to His people, but I swear that . . . Oh, you do believe that happens . . . Who is like Jehovah. Ah, my name is Micah--a shepherd. This is Enoch. Levi and Simeon--yes, twins. Andrew. The tall one in the back with curly hair, Joel. You? Joseph! That's a strong name. What a man of God Joseph was! Miriam. Miriam. What a beautiful name. Miriam. To say it is like whispering a song. The baby? Over there. Oh, in the manger. In the manger. Look, Enoch. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. In the manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes--just as the angel said. Our Messiah. "Joseph, have you chosen a name for him yet? I know, you have eight days, but I was just . . . Jesus. Jehovah saves. Yes. Yes! Pardon? Gabriel told you to name Him that. Gabriel? Oh, that Gabriel . . . Angels giving messages from God to His servants. Can't tell an angel, "no," right? What all did he say?"
"Greetings my friends. I, too, am headed to the Passover feast. May I join you by the fire? Bless you. My name is Micah. I have been a shepherd here in the hills of Judea practically my entire life. What a beautiful place to tend the flocks! The rolling hills of the Judean countryside, the many small, still pools for the sheep to drink--I would not trade places with anyone. And to spend a night under the stars of promise . . . magnificent. I am not the young whippersnapper I use to be; just an old one now, but my life is full. I go to the Passover as often as I can get away, full of expectations.
Can I tell you my story? Oh, it's not a story story--it really happened to me over thirty years ago, but I love to tell the story. You may think that I am a senile old man making up fantasies--but it is not so. It happened when my friends and I were on the night shift--keeping watch over the flock, keeping them safe from predators. I loved the night shift--dark, still, the million stars of promise. Stars of promise? Oh, you know the story, don't you? Jehovah called Abraham out of his tent and into the darkness: "Look up Abraham and tell me what you see. Yes, a million, million stars. I make you a promise My friend: your descendants shall be as numerous as those stars." And childless Abraham looked up at those stars, and though he could never do the math, he believed God! "I believe my God that you will--not can--will make it so." What faith! (Jehovah, of course, knows the numbers of the stars and calls them all by name!). Abraham's answer so delighted God's heart that He gave our father an even greater gift. "Abraham, because of your faith in My promise, I declare you righteous." Declared righteous! The greatest gift of all!
Anyway, I digress. Back to the hillside! It was chilly--like tonight--so we had started a few small fires. Bright enough to let the predators know we were there. Not so bright as to frighten the sheep. Sheep are such stupid and paranoid creatures. No wonder God compares us to them--a little slow and paranoid, eh? I was standing at the very edge of our campsite--right where the light of the fire begins to fade and the darkness begins. I was standing there, rod and staff in hand, listening to the sheep and taking in the stars. (I'm one of those stars you know. A star of the promise!) Suddenly, the countryside turned as bright as day--brighter! I turned--and here you may begin to doubt me--I saw an angel--as radiant as the sun. Petrified--I was petrified. My knees were knocking together--doing the Belshazzar waltz--but I couldn't move. And then the angel spoke. "Don't be afraid, Joel, be still Levi, Andrew, be courageous Micah. I bring you good news--the gospel. Fear not!" And at his voice I went from terrified to perfect peace. "This very day has been born for you--in Bethlehem--the Christ, the Messiah, your Savior. You must go to Bethlehem and find Him. You will know Him for He is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." I confess. I was incredulous. The Messiah born in a manger. Come on. But a whisper touched my doubts. "Yes, Micah, the Messiah was born into one of the poorest families in all Israel. Who is like Jehovah?" My doubts fled. And suddenly the whole angel choir showed up. They surrounded us, shouting and singing, "Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth to men of good will! The hills echoed! We couldn't help ourselves and joined in wholeheartedly. "Glory to God in the highest!!" And then, whoosh, as suddenly as they appeared they were gone. We stood in the fading light of our fires, the night closing in, silence everywhere except for the bleating of the sheep, the stars of promise growing brighter in the darkness. Impetuous me--I took off for Bethlehem. "Let's go my friends. The angel told us to go and find our Savior! Come on. You can't tell an angel, "No." Don't worry--they'll keep watch over the sheep."
So off we went. Laughing, shouting, dancing, running, standing still and looking at each other in wonder. What a journey! And a short one. We made good time believe me. When we reached the city, we began to search. Not too difficult. Bethlehem is such a tiny city. Then, I heard Joel whisper. "Look! I see candle light in that stable." We cautiously peeked inside. A young woman lay back on a bed of sorts. You could see her exhaustion. But how beautiful she was! A mother with child--is there anything more beautiful? Next to her stood her husband, his arm around her giving her his strength. Oh, you could tell they were in love. She had her head resting on his shoulder. (A sure sign of love gentlemen--head resting on the shoulder--trust me.)
We barged in. Well, I did--and the guys followed me. We scared them, of course. "Oh, I'm sorry. Don't be afraid. Angels send us to find you--to see your baby. You probably don't believe in angels from God giving messages to His people, but I swear that . . . Oh, you do believe that happens . . . Who is like Jehovah. Ah, my name is Micah--a shepherd. This is Enoch. Levi and Simeon--yes, twins. Andrew. The tall one in the back with curly hair, Joel. You? Joseph! That's a strong name. What a man of God Joseph was! Miriam. Miriam. What a beautiful name. Miriam. To say it is like whispering a song. The baby? Over there. Oh, in the manger. In the manger. Look, Enoch. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. In the manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes--just as the angel said. Our Messiah. "Joseph, have you chosen a name for him yet? I know, you have eight days, but I was just . . . Jesus. Jehovah saves. Yes. Yes! Pardon? Gabriel told you to name Him that. Gabriel? Oh, that Gabriel . . . Angels giving messages from God to His servants. Can't tell an angel, "no," right? What all did he say?"
"You will name Him, Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
Our sins, our sins. Save us from our sins. Oh, Miriam, may I hold your child. Don't be afraid. I'm a great baby holder. Got three of my own. Youngest is only three months old. Isaac. Our first son. Laughter--a son of promise. I'll be gentle. I promise. One tear, and I'll put Him down. Oh, thank you."
Andrew, look, I have the Savior of the world in my arms. Our Savior. My Savior. In my arms. So beautiful and calm. Fearless at a day old! (I couldn't help but kiss Him. Okay, more than once.) Can I sing my favorite psalm for Him, Miriam? I sing terribly. Forget the words. Add my own. But my heart is bursting with a song. Please? Forgive my noise. And my improvisation. Thank you.
My favorite. 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me to feast in the pastures so green. He leads me to drink at the still, quiet spring. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul. Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil for You are my breath. Thy rod and Thy staff are a comfort to me. You anoint me with blessings that my enemy must see. Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days, all the days of my life. Yes, surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.
"Again sorry for the personal rendition. My heart must sing. I"ll put Him down now. Nary a tear! Brave child. I think He likes me.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion. We had to come. The angel . . . We will go now. Thank you, for your hospitality and patience Joseph. Thank you for your gentle graciousness, Miriam. Miriam. Miriam. God has given you the greatest gift. What a treasure He has given you two Out you go guys. Move along you whippersnappers."
Andrew, look, I have the Savior of the world in my arms. Our Savior. My Savior. In my arms. So beautiful and calm. Fearless at a day old! (I couldn't help but kiss Him. Okay, more than once.) Can I sing my favorite psalm for Him, Miriam? I sing terribly. Forget the words. Add my own. But my heart is bursting with a song. Please? Forgive my noise. And my improvisation. Thank you.
My favorite. 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me to feast in the pastures so green. He leads me to drink at the still, quiet spring. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul. Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil for You are my breath. Thy rod and Thy staff are a comfort to me. You anoint me with blessings that my enemy must see. Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days, all the days of my life. Yes, surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.
"Again sorry for the personal rendition. My heart must sing. I"ll put Him down now. Nary a tear! Brave child. I think He likes me.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion. We had to come. The angel . . . We will go now. Thank you, for your hospitality and patience Joseph. Thank you for your gentle graciousness, Miriam. Miriam. Miriam. God has given you the greatest gift. What a treasure He has given you two Out you go guys. Move along you whippersnappers."
Five steps out the door, I had to go back. "Forgive me Joseph. Forgive me Miriam." I went and knelt by the cradle. And prayed this prayer. "Jehovah-Jireh. I do not know how You will use this lovely child, Your Christ, to take away my sins. It seems so impossible. How? How? But I believe! i believe You, my Lord and my God. I believe! Through this child, our Savior, You will save me from my sins. Yes, yes, yes. I, too, will be declared righteous. Glory to God in the highest.
On the way back to the fields we woke up everyone. Shouting, "Wake up Bethlehem! Glory to God in the highest. He has send His Messiah, the Christ, here, today. To take away our sins. Wake up Bethlehem! Wake up Judea! Wake up Jerusalem! Wake up world. The Savior has been sent. Believe! He will take away your sin! Wash them white as snow. Only believe."
And so, my story ends. But I tell it again every chance I get.
How could I not. And so, now you know why I go to the Passover feast with such anticipation. He walks in Israel this day. I know I will see Him again. He is going to save me from my sins. Thirty-three years I have been waiting for Him. Maybe this year? He will save me from my sins. He will. Wash me white as snow. I believe.
"Look at those stars. One of them is me. Are you a star of the promise? 'The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.'"
On the way back to the fields we woke up everyone. Shouting, "Wake up Bethlehem! Glory to God in the highest. He has send His Messiah, the Christ, here, today. To take away our sins. Wake up Bethlehem! Wake up Judea! Wake up Jerusalem! Wake up world. The Savior has been sent. Believe! He will take away your sin! Wash them white as snow. Only believe."
And so, my story ends. But I tell it again every chance I get.
How could I not. And so, now you know why I go to the Passover feast with such anticipation. He walks in Israel this day. I know I will see Him again. He is going to save me from my sins. Thirty-three years I have been waiting for Him. Maybe this year? He will save me from my sins. He will. Wash me white as snow. I believe.
"Look at those stars. One of them is me. Are you a star of the promise? 'The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.'"
Yes."
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