Ben, the Shepherd Boy. A Christmas Story | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Ben, the Shepherd Boy. A Christmas Story | Previous Challenge Entry
By vicki mccollum
05/02/05
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Ben, the Shepherd Boy
A Christmas Story

Moonlight glazed the rocky crest of the Judean hills. Its silvery light spilled over shepherds guarding the snow-chilled, midwinter field.

Ben heard Dan’s voice calling to the sheep. He knew he should be out there helping his older brothers herd them to the fold. But, he was cold and tired. He shivered, crouching low to the fire’s warmth, glad of the stone wall sheltering him from the wind.

Ben was neither lazy, nor intentionally careless. He had an active imagination. Dreams of daring deeds crowded his head . . . , Blinding him to the lamb’s leg caught in a crevice.
He saw spit-polished stones, damp in his sweaty palm, readied for the sling and his steady-aim, to fell his own Goliath. Someday, he, too, would honor his family: Ben remembered the legend of another shepherd boy.

Ben’s family was proud their flocks were not ordinary sheep. Pastured near Bethlehem in Jacob’s fields, their sheep were intended for temple sacrifice: Only perfect sheep were sacrificed to God.

“Look how near the stars are tonight,” Dan said. “A wonderful night like this one could bring the Messiah,” he sighed, as they headed back to camp.

“We’ll never see the Messiah in our lifetime,” replied Josiah. “We’ll be lucky to survive the reign of that Roman-puppet, Herod!” He spat as if to cleanse his mouth of a putrid taste. “Herod murdered his own family to keep his throne. We have no hope.”

“We hope in the prophecy, Josiah.” Dan pointed to the shepherd’s watchtower, “And you, O Tower of the Flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall come the One to be Ruler of Israel.”

Josiah shook his head scornfully, “It’s time to sleep, O Dreamer.”
________

Ben woke to gusting wind and a night turned bitterly cold. Listening for familiar sounds, he heard his brothers’ steady breathing. From the fold he heard sounds of distress. It was Ben’s turn to tend the sheep. Wind gusts had blown the gate open, but none had escaped. Ben latched the gate, noticing the sheep calmed at his presence.

High above the hills, light flickered. Ben watched, expecting to see a falling star. Astonished, he saw the light explode, flooding the midnight sky with brilliant light. A radiant being appeared:

Terror stricken, Ben dropped to the ground expecting certain death. Someone jostled him. He recognized his brothers kneeling beside him.
The din of squalling wind, bleating sheep and the sound of his own blood pounding in his ears matched his anxious heart.

A hush fell over them.

The angel spoke:
“Fear not. Behold. I bring you good news of great joy to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah. This will be a sign for you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, God’s angel was joined by a heavenly choir praising God and singing,
“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men!”
___________

They did not want to intrude. They felt unworthy to see the baby, held close to his young mother’s heart. She saw their gentleness, the awe in their eyes, and encouraged them to draw near to–the Messiah. He was perfectly formed. Tiny fingers. Curly, dark hair.
Not a blemish: Perfection Incarnate.

They knelt near the cave’s entrance, by the sheep–they were used to sheep. They could not take their eyes from Him. He was so fragile, innocent, sweet and lovely to see. Their hearts brimmed with gratitude for the honor of kneeling in the cave near the infant Messiah.

How unbelievable it all was, if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes.

That Christmas Day, Ben gave his heart to the Christ Child. And in a young boy’s chivalrous manner, pledged his life to Him, and to His gentle mother. He would protect them, he told them valiantly, “Ask me to do anything!” Dan tugged his young brother’s sleeve, pulling Ben out behind him.

Jesus grew to manhood. Ben, and his brothers, walked the roads of Judea with Jesus. On a terribly dark day, they knelt beside His mother at Calvary. When Jesus said to Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” Ben, Dan, and Josiah answered along with Peter, “Yes, Lord.”

Ben watches the sky with great expectancy, especially on blustery, wintry nights. He knows the Messiah will come again.

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