A Mountain Breeze

A Christmas Medley - 1st December

Day left as sleep claimed her heavy eyelids, drawing her into the world of the unconscious. It had been a long day, but ended with the satisfaction of a well-decorated house and Christmas tree.

........

She shivered as the cold mountain breeze flowed over her bare arms.

'Here, hold this around you,' a kindly man's voice said, and she felt a rough blanket being draped over her shoulders.

'Thank you,' she responded automatically, trying to gather her bearings. 'Where are we? And who are you?'

'So many questions?' the man next to her asked in return, smiling at her.

She took a good look at him. He had long hair, a long moustache and a long beard. All of his hair was grey, but he did not look as old as she would have thought he was, having grey hair. He was tall, well-built, with a weathered but kind, open face.

'Let's just say that I am a friend. This isn't the first time you've met me, and it won't be the last. But we digress. Watch.' And so saying, he gestured towards the valley in front of them.

As Sam turned towards the valley, the sky began to light up. As she watched, the diffuse light eventually coalesced into forms recognisable as humanoid. A sense of immeasurable peace flowed through her. One of the beings spoke, seemingly to a group of shepherds who were seated around their campfire just along the hillside from them. The being's voice thundered over the valley:

'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'

As the angel finished speaking, a countless number of angels joined those already present. Together they sang. These are the gist of the words that Sam heard that night:

Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.

With a sigh of contentment, Sam turned to her companion, to find him gone. As she looked back toward the valley, everything faded into blackness ....

Bible passages from Luke 2:10-12,14 NIV