November 28, 2005

It Is Time

"Father..."

"Yes, my Son."

"Is it time?"

"Yes. It is time. But are you certain you want to follow the plan?"

"Yes, Father. I must go. They are family!"

"Not a moment will be easy, my Son. You will live a life of humiliation and suffering. You will be born in a cold stable and laid in the feeding trough of beasts. Your parents will become refugees in Egypt to save you from the mad sword of King Herod. You will return, to live the life of a lowly servant. You will be poor, despised, the butt of all jokes. Even those who choose to love you will abandon you when the pain gets too close. And finally, worn thin from suffering, you will have to allow them to shred your back, puncture your flesh, and hang you on a cross of shame. You will be abandoned by all."

"I know, Father. But I must go. I love them...all of them. If by going I can bring them home, I will go. They are family!"

"Son, call the angel Gabriel, and accompany him to the house of Mary."

"Gabriel, when you get to the village say to Mary, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Tell her not to be afraid. Tell her how we have chosen her specially and how we love her. Tell her......(The Father's voice chokes back a tear)..... tell her that her child will be called the Son of the Most High, and that His kingdom will never end! ...and answer her questions about virgins bearing children.

"And Gabriel, don't stop there. Go on down the road to the house of Joseph, the carpenter we have chosen to be His father. Joseph is a good man who will be amazed at your announcement and worried about what the village will say. Calm his fears and encourage his love for Mary, and for his new son. Young Jesus will grow wise at Joseph's side."

There is a pause as Father, Son, and angel messenger consider the immensity of God becoming man.

"Gabriel. Son. It is time. May Love sustain us all."

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital