THE STORY THAT NEVER GROW OLD by Ron Walters

"I love to tell the story. For those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest."

It was little ol' Bethlehem, but it was big enough. The omnipresent God had no problems fitting in. It was quite a contrast trading the throne room of heaven for a stable, angels for cattle, hallelujahs for a lullaby. Bethlehem had its share of visitors, but never one like this. The prophets had given the pieces of the puzzle, but at first glance they didn't seem to fit. The Alpha and Omega was born. The Ancient of Days had the skin of a newborn. The same voice which spoke the creation into being had the familiar ring of baby-talk. A child was born of a virgin.

It was a typical Bethlehem night, dinner was a memory, chores were all done, parents were tucking in their sleepy kids. The stars were out, but nothing else. The weary town had said "Good Night". It was a night like any other, yet it was a night the world will never forget.

It was a first. Never before had The Eternal become so tiny, the Almighty become so helpless. He had out-muscled Pharaoh's army, now he was held in Mary's arms. The eyes that see the beginning to the end, could hardly open. The God who never slumbers was now fast asleep. Everything was perfect.

Angels were dispatched to spread the word. First stop--a group of shepherds. It was Good News! It was Great Joy! It was just one sentence, only one verse, 19 small words, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." The announcement needed no explanation, only directions. "You'll find the babe lying in a manger." Finally the wait was over. The Messiah had come. Nothing else mattered, not the late hour, not the restless sheep--nothing. This was a birthday party they couldn't miss. The announcement became an invitation. This God-child was accessible to lowly shepherds. Fear was replaced by excitement, doubts with hope.

One can only imagine the thoughts of those shepherds as they found the baby-king. There was no entourage, no royal ceremony, no lights, music, feasting. There was no need for those things. They would have been out of place. Nothing added could have enhanced the wonder of God becoming flesh. Some appearances don't need an opening act.

There they were. Quiet, perhaps. Motionless, no doubt. Wondering "What now?" They must have thought about Israel's future, or even the dreaded Romans. Someone probably asked to hold the baby. One confused shepherd probably wished he had paid attention in Sabbath School. Another may have remembered the prophets words "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace".

Did they see the irony? They had been watching Bethlehem's sheep, yet now they were beholding the Lamb of God. For years they had supplied animals for the annual sacrifice. But at this moment God had supplied the eternal sacrifice for the sins of the world. Their business was in jeopardy but their salvation was secure.

They were all eye-witnesses. Every detail was studied. Every word was memorized. For years they must have told and retold the accounts. Consequently the story has been told to every generation.
Now it's our turn to tell and retell the story. The story that never grows old.

"And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, 'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long".