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THOMAS J. NICHOLS
Preview - The Third Dawn
As soon as Joseph
spoke, a strong, warm wind swept up the valley. In the heavens, the clouds
rolled and tumbled, and lightning and thunder filled the sky. He felt his skin
tingle. His heart pounded and his breath grew short as the wind and thunder
roared and the lightning filled the night's blackness. Joseph fell to his knees,
sensing that Nur knelt beside him. They prostrated themselves in the dirt and
manure of the stable yard. The sounds of the angels and archangels, cherubim and
seraphim, and all the heavenly hosts filled the heavens, singing of the wonder
and glory of Almighty God and of His newborn son. The clouds parted, and the
stars shone brightly above Bethlehem and the faraway lands, casting a vivid hue
over the hill as though a new sun rose in the night. The wind gradually subsided
and a peaceful quiet settled over the countryside. Joseph and Nur stood, their
garments shining white and covered with gold dust that reflected the night's
light.
Joseph looked toward the cave and was blinded by the light of a thousand suns
emanating from within. Together, Nur and Joseph entered the cave, shielding
their eyes with their hands. The smell of roses filled the air, and the light
dimmed until only a bright glow settled over a manger filled with straw in which
the Virgin had placed the Christ child.
Mary sat alongside the manger, arranging a clean white cloth around the baby.
She looked at Nur and Joseph, her face bright with happiness. "He's here. Our
family is complete, so we can give praise and glory to God."
Joseph and Nur prostrated themselves again to pay homage to the King of Kings.
When the tiny child whimpered, then began to cry, Joseph rose, took the baby
from the crib, and held Him close, gently rocking, trying to quiet Him. But that
was not to be, so he gave the child to his mother. He and Nur left them alone
for the Son of God to partake of His mother's gift.
As Nur sat on the stable fence, he heard the sound of men approaching. "Father,"
he said in a loud whisper. "Someone is coming. Is there anything that I should
do?"
"No," Joseph replied. "I can see them. Look there." He pointed toward the
opposite hill. "They are shepherds. They must have seen the brilliance of the
sky and heard the heavenly sounds. Look, they are coming to adore the child."
Joseph looked at Nur. "My child, you know, do you not?"
"I do, my father. I do. He is the Christ, come to redeem the world." Nur climbed
down from the fence surrounding the stable and stood beside Joseph, watching the
approaching shepherds. "He is the Messiah, born of the poor, to lead all people
to His Father in heaven."
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