While the shepherds Martha, Sarah, Matthias and Zebulun were sleeping in the open air with their sheep, a divine radiance awakened them. With their melodious voices, the angels announced: “Do not be afraid. Behold, we bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you, Christ the Lord, in the city of David.” The shepherds, amazed, could not believe what they were hearing. Martha, the bravest, exclaimed: “Sarah, wake up, wake up!” Sarah, pointing to the angel, shouted: “Look!!!”. Matthias, confused, asked: “But what is all the fuss about?”
Zebulun, the foolish shepherd boy, was especially curious and brave. Although he was afraid at first, the angels reassured him and explained to him the meaning of “goodwill”. “God has commanded us to announce the birth of the Messiah to men of good will,” said Angel 1. Raphael added, “Doesn’t that seem simple? We thought that at first, too. But when we got together to make the list, things started to get complicated. Three times we had to go to Yahweh to ask him exactly what ‘goodwill’ meant…” Zebulun, intrigued, asked, “And what does it mean?”
Gabriel, with his wisdom and patience, explained to Zebulun the meaning of “goodwill” using an analogy with birds. “Look, Zebulun, you’ve often noticed birds, haven’t you? Some drink goats’ milk… And you also know that some always fly low to the ground, pecking everywhere, like sparrows; others get into garbage dumps or stables; some are only comfortable on top of the smallest trees or the roofs of houses; but there are also high-flying birds, like the great eagles, that soar effortlessly into the sky, full of majesty,” said Gabriel.
Angel 1 continued the explanation: “Something similar happens to men. God has created them to fly very high…” Zebulun, excited, asked: “So, can we fly?” Raphael answered: “Of course! Doesn’t fantasy, imagination, the heart, desire, memory fly…? The soul flies, do you understand?” Zebulun, with tears in his eyes, said: “I think so, a little.” Raphael added: “And yet some people are determined to flutter among the dunghills or in the most disgusting puddles. Others use their wings, not to achieve a goal, but to show off in acrobatic flights. And there are few who really want to reach the one who is at the top…”
Zebulun, with his innocence and purity of heart, understood the message of the angels. “Then I am not like them. How could a fool be wise? But you are, because you have always had your heart with Yahweh, and you have dreamed of knowing him and loving him. Do not care that your wit is small, as long as it reaches the Truth. Besides, God has chosen the foolish to confound the wise. The birds that fly the highest are not those that flap the most, but those that let themselves be carried by the wind, spreading their wings without fear,” said Raphael. Zebulun, with a smile, asked: “And can I go to see the Messiah, even if only from afar?” Miguel replied: “Of course, come with us, we will take you to Him. Besides, I am sure that He is waiting for you and will love to hear from you.”
Article based on the book, The Nativity Scene that God Set Up
