Salvation Begins A Christmas Reading by Barbara Ritchey In Heaven there is no morning or evening: no day or night; only the glory of God shining brightly at all times. It was into this brightness the Son stepped and approached His Father's throne. "Father the people of earth despair and cry out for their deliverance. Is it still not yet time?" A rumble seemed to come from the throne before the Creator answered, "The, time is come, but are You sure You still wish to do this for mankind?' "Yes Father, I desire to bring your people back to us." "You must forsake all Your glory and sleep In the womb of a a woman for nine months." "Yes, I know." "You will have to take on the burden of flesh and blood. You will be imprisoned in an earthly body that You will feel decaying around You, even at birth." "Yes, Father I understand." "You will know hunger and thirst. You will become one with sorrow and despair. You will experience pain and suffering." "Yes, Lord." "You will be tempted by the Evil One himself." "I do not fear him. I know that You will be my strength and comfort." A sigh slipped from Gods lips as He said, "You must take all the sins of mankind upon yourself. You will be betrayed, tortured and killed." "Father, the salvation of Your people demands all this. I am willing." The Almighty hesitated then said, "There will come a moment when You are covered in the sins of man that even I will have to turn away from You." The Son's resolve faltered. "Even You will forsake me, Father? Even You?" "Even I, my Son. I cannot bear to look upon such sin. Are You still willing to go?" The Son of God knelt before the throne in silence and looked down upon mankind. The chasm between the children of Adam and their Creator had never seemed wider. The Son shuddered in dread and asked. "Are You sure there is no other way to bring them back to us?" "There is no other way." The Son stood slowly and straightened his shoulders. Lifting His face to the throne, He answered, "Then I am here, Father. Send me." Gabriel was called to the throne and told to prepare the virgin for the miracle that was to come upon her. Michael was summoned to gather his troops. The Evil One would stop at nothing to prevent the birth or God's Son and the angels must protect the woman and her child. The Son of God bid farewell to His Father and the Holy descended to earth bearing the seed of God. Michael and his warriors battled the enemy's forces unceasingly as Gabriel prepared the angelic choir for the proclamation they were to deliver. In time God stretched forth His hand and a light appeared at the sky. A light brighter than any other shone joyously over a stable where a virgin was giving birth to a king. The angels suddenly grew quiet as the exuberant cry of a newborn baby echoed through the now silent halls of Heaven. With a shout of victory, the armies of God resumed their vigil of protection and the choirs sang their songs of good news. The salvation of man was at hand. But in the throne room of God, the Almighty listened silently to the rejoicing of men and of angels. A single tear formed in the eye of the Father and fell to the stair of the throne, leaving a crimson stain on its steps. "It has begun." He whispered. "My Son is born.' A Blessed and Happy Christmas and Holiday Season to All Jim ONeall