by Wendy Lanier

Dumb old census! Jonathan angrily kicked a stone and sent it skittering into the darkness.

“Father says I am finally old enough to learn how to throw the casting net,” he fumed half aloud. “A night like this is perfect for it, but where are we? Stuck in Bethlehem for a census, that's where. The only reason the Romans care about the Jews is so they can tax us.”

Jonathan sighed and stopped to look around. Without meaning to, he had wandered into the countryside. Not that anyone would notice. His parents were so wrapped up in visiting with relatives and tending to his little brother and sister, he doubted if anyone even realized he was gone.

Close by, shepherds kept watch over a flock of sheep. Having no desire to answer questions about why he was alone at night, Jonathan moved into the shadow of two small trees. He sat down on a rock to continue feeling sorry for himself.

All at once the evening sky filled with a bright light.

Startled, Jonathan tumbled off the rock. Looking up he saw a figure hovering above the fields.

“Don't be afraid,” the angel announced. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to everyone who hears it. Today, right here in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

As the angel finished speaking, he was joined by a host of angels praising God: “Glory to God who is above all. Peace to all those on whom His favor rests.”

Still sprawled on the ground, Jonathan stared at the sky-mouth open in wonder.

A savior! he thought. A baby? How can a baby save us from the Romans?

Out of the corner of his eye, Jonathan noticed the excited shepherds hurry off toward the town. He scrambled to his feet, keeping a short distance behind. If they were going to see the Savior, then he was, too.

Jonathan was surprised to find the shepherd's search took them to a small stable carved into the side of the hill-part of the very inn where his family was staying. He watched as the shepherds paid tribute to the baby and praised God for sending the promised Savior.

When they finally left, Jonathan approached the manger.

“May I see the child?” he said to the man. “I saw the angels, too.”

The man motioned to him to come closer. “I am Joseph,” he said. “This is Mary. And this is our son, Jesus.”

The little stable shone with a peaceful light. Jonathan wasn't sure how. The only light shone from a single candle.

“May I hold him?” Jonathan found himself asking. “I've got a little brother and sister. I've held babies.”

Mary smiled and placed the sleeping child in Jonathan's arms. Tenderly he traced his finger down the baby's cheek. At his touch, the baby opened His eyes and looked directly at him. Jonathan felt the look all the way down to his toes.

“What did the angel mean by saying Jesus is a Savior, the Christ?” Jonathan asked. “How can a baby save us? I don't understand.”

Joseph patted Jonathan on the shoulder. “I'm not sure I do either, young fellow,” Joseph said. “I only know that He is sent from God. For now, that is all I have to know.”

Jonathan nodded. “I know it, too. I saw the angels. I heard their words.”

“You are wise beyond your years.” Joseph smiled. “I imagine there will be many in Israel who will not be so ready to accept that the Son of God could be born in a manger.”

The Son of God! The hair on the back of Jonathan's neck stood on end. I'm holding the Son of God!

“H-h-here,” he said to Mary. “I think you better take Him. I'm not sure I should be holding somebody so important.”

When Jonathan finally made his way back to his family, he wasn't thinking about casting nets. Something wonderful had happened in the stable. He didn't understand what it all meant, but somehow he knew he had made a new friend. A very special friend-a friendship that would last forever.

	Q: How do you spell mousetrap with only three letters? A: C-A-T. Ashley M., 12, Virginia Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe