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A Sandspur Hill Cracker Christmas

    All Jacob ever wanted to do was tend the sheep like his father and Uncle Levi.  He would beg his mother to let him go with them into the hills with the village flock.  She had allowed him to go lately when his chores were done.  He was really looking forward to next week.  For seven days, it would be his family’s turn for watching the sheep at night.  No way, his mother put her foot down.  There was no way he could be out in the wilderness after dark.  The night was cold and there was no telling what might have happened in the long nights.  To make matters worse, for the next few days, the streets would be overcrowded.  Caesar Augustus had ordered from Rome that everyone must return to his place of birth to be counted and taxed.
    Jacob had dreamed of being with the sheep at night, lying on his back, gazing up into the sky.  He had heard of shooting stars lighting up the night.  Maybe he would see his own star, if only he could go. Maybe, just this one night.  No!  He knew she wouldn’t let him go.  Their house was crowded with family from out of town here for the census.  Maybe he wouldn’t be missed.  He’d do it.  After everyone had gone to bed, he would sneak out and join his father and Uncle Levi.  He was never noticed as he made his way out the city gate and headed for the hills to catch up with the flock.  Although there was no moon, Jacob was surprised at how light it was.
    The sheep was right where he knew they would be and there was his father and uncle, sitting by a small fire, quietly talking.  Surprising them, his father was really mad.  He told Jacob that if he didn’t have to stay with the sheep, he would march him home right then.  Suppressing a grin, Uncle Levi said, ‘Jacob gonna a get a thrashing, Jacob’s gonna get…”  He stopped in mid sentence.  The light got real bright, almost blinding them.  Jacob just stood there mesmerized but the men ran and hid in the rocks, trembling with fright.
    From out of nowhere, an Angel was among them and told them, “Fear Not!  I bring you great news.  Tonight in the city of Bethlehem, the long awaited savior is born.  Leave your sheep and go into the city.  Behind the large inn, you’ll find a stable cut into the side of the hill.  There will be the one you have been told by the prophets, who is to come.  A newborn who we all have been seeking.  Go worship him and tell everyone what you have seen.”
    The Angel was joined by music that seemed to come from every rock and tree.  From the heavens came a shout, “Glory to God in the highest.  Peace and goodwill to man.”  The three of them hurried in search of the stable, just where the Angel said it was.  Although full of animals put up for the night, it didn’t seem crowded and there in the middle was a feeding trough, changed into a crib.
    There He lay, the Baby they came to see.  He was bundled up tight in white cloth but his face lit up the entire manger…There was so much going on, Jacob could hardly take it all in.  Three strangers rode up on camels.  They weren’t from around here and they knelt down before the Baby and presented him with find bundled gifts.   The newborn’s father and mother never left their baby’s side but were hardly noticed.
    As daylight approached, they returned to their flock.  Their daytime relief was just getting there.  When they heard about their night the shepherds couldn’t believe what they had missed.  Jacob’s mother never got the chance to get upset.  Her little boy who had sneaked out in the night was not her son who stood was before her now.  He could not stop talking about the night.
    The Angel who scared his father and uncle but brought them the good news.  The heavenly music that was all around them, the shining star he thought was his own shooting star, but knows it was for everyone who only looked up.  All the animals lying down together, the three elegantly dressed men who appeared and departed, leaving some very fancy presents, but most of all, he told about the Baby.  The Baby who changed his life, the Baby that he believed would make a difference in the world to anyone who was told of him.  Jacob’s mother hugged him and and said she was proud of her little shepherd.  He told her that going with his father to tend to the sheep was good but after last night, he must go and do as the Angel told them.  He would tell everyone he was there, the night when CHRIST WAS BORN.