Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Once in a Blue Moon (01/06/11)
TITLE: A Treasured Time
By Bonnie Bowden
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Simon scratched his grizzled beard as he looked into the wide, brown eyes of his grandson, Timothy. His leathered, tan hand reached down to put another stick on the fire. Nowadays, the staff he once used to herd sheep, kept him upright. The worn, sturdy bag that held his few treasured possessions sat beside the rock. He knew it was time to pass down the story of his youth.
“Timothy, let’s go sit down over here,” Simon motioned. “I need to tell you what happened to me on that night many moons ago.”
Simon reached into the bag and pulled out the slingshot, stones, and the object he was looking for—a soft piece of cloth wrapped around a small splinter of wood. Immediately the memories of wonder and joy flooded his mind.
“It was my night to be the gatekeeper of the pen,” Simon began. I laid down in the only opening of the fence, ready to fight to death if need be, against the enemy. I was especially watchful because the night before Samuel had killed a snarling wolf prowling around the area.”
Out of nowhere, a brilliant light shone in my eyes. I was filled with both awe and fear. An angel of the Lord appeared to me and the other shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV). The angel instructed us that the child could be found lying in a manger.
After the angels left us, we decided to go to Bethlehem in search of the baby. We hurried away so fast, it almost seemed like we were running.
Then before us, we saw the stable. Inside we found Mary and Joseph and the infant who was nestled in some hay in the manger. It just as the angel had told us. We immediately fell down on the ground in worship to the King. It was astonishing and humbling all at once. Why would God pick us, poor lowly shepherds to witness such an event as this?
It was then that I saw this small sliver of wood lying beside the manager. I asked Mary if I could keep this small remembrance of the birth. She graciously agreed. Then she handed me this small piece of swaddling cloth to wrap it in. The other shepherds and I were weeping with joy. We didn’t know exactly what we were feeling; the power in that room was overwhelming.
We all agreed to go into town and tell others what we had seen and heard. Many people were skeptical of what we had to say. They expected to see a grown king, not a baby in a common barn. This did not dampen our enthusiasm or purpose. We knew that we had found the true King. We who were protectors were now protected.
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