A Thrill Of Hope...

Every day in December I've been writing an advent entry of a XMAS story. Tomorrow is the final entry, but enjoy today's entry, and then follow the link to start at Day 1 and read the whole thing.

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It was a beautiful, clear night. Avi and Eli were lying out under the stars, enjoying the cool, crisp air, relaxing, even while keeping an eye out for any potential threats, after all, their sheep were quite valuable. The fields were quiet, though, save for the occasional bleating coming from the flock.

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The barn really wasn't all that bad. It wasn't their home or a hospital, but it was ok. The cots were acceptable, and both Seph and Ria had managed to get a few hours of sleep, but they were up now. Manuel's birth was imminent. The contractions were almost constant, and despite the rancher's belief that there was a doctor somewhere on the property, Seph wasn't about to leave Ria alone to go hunting for someone who may not even be there, so they were alone.

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Manuel could feel everything his mom was feeling. Not the physical pain, though He understood that she was experiencing a great deal, but the emotions. She was afraid. Again, this feeling of fear was new, and still foreign to Him. She was also very brave. This was also a new feeling. He had never experienced bravery before. It courage is acting in spite of fear and uncertainty, bravery can never be known in those who are sure and fearless. Ria was scared. Ria was brave. Manuel could do nothing to alleviate His mother's pain, but He was able to alleviate her fear. Utilizing the mother/child connection they shared, He imbued her with hope and joy.

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For a brief moment the pain subsided. Ria thought about what was happening. She was about to meet her son, a child who, not only was the key to saving everyone, but was her blood, whom she loved. A fire was lit in her, but rather than burn, it simply warmed and comforted her. In the midst of this comfort, a sound entered. It did not interrupt, but rather joined the peaceful moment. Soft bleating. A young lamb had wandered into the barn and had laid down next to Ria.

"Hey, get out of here." Seph shooed.

"Wait. It's ok." Ria assured. "I want him here."

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"E-E-E-E-Eli. Y-Y-You n-n-n-need to s-s-s-see this."

"You alright Avi? What is … 

"What is it!" Eli screamed, seeing for the first time what Avi was looking at. 

"I don't know…"

"Relax!" ordered the hovering hologram. "You don't need to be afraid. Everything is fine. In fact, everything is more than fine. Now listen up."

"Yes sir," both Avi and Eli said in unison.

"Something monumental is happening this very moment. The entire course of history is changing. An Operation millennia in the making is starting. In truth, it started almost a year ago, but this is a pivotal moment, and you have been picked to be a part of it.

"There's a storage barn, here, on the ranch, where a young woman is currently in labor. The child she is birthing is more than He seems. I don't have time to fully explain, but you'll figure it out. He is key to the Operation. He will heal the disease of the Don. 

"You are going to be the grassroots team, talking to people, inviting them to join the mission. You are close to the common people. You can convince them. They will believe you. 

"This mission is straight from the Adon. He is the kindest, most generous and magnanimous leader. He is the only true ruler. He will restore order, peace and health to the people of this kingdom.

"Now, go. Go find the child. You will know I'm telling you the truth, and that there is something very special about this child, about this night, when you see the sign. You'll know the sign."

They had no idea what was happening, but something tugged at them, and, if for no other reason than curiosity, Avi and Eli got up and immediately started looking for the barn.

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"Over here, Eli. I think I found it."

Avi was standing outside a barn. He could see light inside and hear voices, and the meek cry of a newborn.

The brothers slowly entered the barn, trying not to disturb the family within. A man sat on the floor of the barn, holding a young woman who was reclining against him. In her arms was a small bundle of clothes, but from inside that bundle a tiny face peered out. The couple had their backs to Avi and Eli, but the baby was staring at them, into them, through them. There was wisdom and depth and purpose and determination in the eyes of that infant. It was captivating and unsettling at the same time.

Eli was stuck, transfixed on the baby, but Avi's gaze was glued to something else, the young white lamb that lay next to the family. Upon its back was a large black spot. It was the lamb, his black lamb, the one that had made all the others perfect and then died. This was the lamb, the same lamb. This was the sign.

Avi gasped and the man turned around at the sound. 

"Avi?" Seph questioned.

"Seph?" Avi returned?

"What are you doing here?" They asked together.