When Heaven was silent. . .

For the first time in millennium, the throne room in Heaven grew silent. The Cherubim, Seraphim, the mighty warrior angels, and the heavenly chorus that surround Almighty God continually singing His praises closed their mouths in awe. The four living creatures with six wings and four faces ceased moving and the wheels by their side grew still.  Lightning and thunder that roared beyond the throne halted its magnificent rumblings. All grew still as the Son of God rose from his seat beside the Father. With all eyes watching, He slipped off his royal robes and removed the crown from His head and laid them at His Father's feet, then leaned in to kiss Him on the cheek before taking the steps one by one down from the throne.

He stopped at the bottom for one last glance up at His Father. And the love that poured between them was so powerful, it brought the assembly of millions to their knees. Then turning, the Son skirted the glassy sea and started for the massive golden doors at the end of the hall. With each step He took, angels parted before him, laying delicate palm fronds at his feet. He cast loving glances their way, but their eyes were downcast in reverence before Him, in awe, in astonishment at the sacrifice He made.

The crunch of his bare feet on the fronds echoed through the massive golden room as the Son, jaw tightening, eyes pooling, set his face like flint toward the doors now opening before Him. It took every ounce of His strength not to turn around and look once more upon His Father, not to run back into His arms and remain with Him forever. As it has always been. But love spurred Him on. A love so strong, it knew no bounds, no fear, no regret.

The Son halted at the door and peered into the darkness beyond. A blackness thick and heavy with evil and sickness and pain and rejection and sorrow. And death. Throwing back his shoulders, He took a deep breath and entered that darkness.

A single tear slipped down the Father's face as His Only Son became a man.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life  John 3:15


Merry Christmas, everyone!



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