A Shepherd’s Dialogue with the Christchild

 

Shepherds! May I Come with You?

 by His Excellency Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo

            In this age of satellites, tele-viewing, and instantaneous reporting, I searched, on Christmas Eve, for the shepherds in the vicinity of Bethlehem. News reached me that they were called to go pay a visit to a new-born Child. Being myself a shepherd of sorts, I wished to catch this unique opportunity. I flew on the wings of light-speeding angels to the plains of Judea, and then, having found the shepherds, I asked their permission to join them, and we went together towards the promised Babe.

            In front of the scene of the manger and its occupants, we were overwhelmed by awe and beauty. The shepherds were totally absorbed by the dazzling spectacle and didn’t utter a word. As far as I was concerned, I felt that I had to speak up as I knelt. This is what I remember telling the Babe and his parents:

            “O Babe Prince! Though you may have thousands of angels reporting to you all that is happening in our world, I feel it is my duty, as a shepherd of your flock, to present an updated dialogue now that you are making your annual visit to our planet.

            I am puzzled to observe that you are, until this minute, dwelling in a manger, despite many gorgeous cathedrals and abbeys that would compete for the honor of hosting you. Is it because you want to be united with the millions of desolated or unwanted babes that crowd the caves of our cities and towns, among them many of our own people rendered without home and country?

            I see you so exposed and unprotected, relying on the care of humble and meek parents. But, O royal prince, in the jungles of this world, ferocity is the rule, and Herod is pursuing you everywhere! Nevertheless, you maintain your calm and your serene smile. Is it because you trust so much the bounty of the human heart, which should conquer evil and destructive pride, and want us to look at you and be confident?

            With all of this apparent misery, it is so obvious that you, and everybody around you, are so happy and fulfilled. What is your secret, O Babe? Is it because happiness is what the human heart gives to the world, not what the world gives to the human heart?  Is it because only a loving heart can be happy and radiate happiness that you preferred to receive us in a bare slum, so that no one would ever doubt that true princes, as we are, being made in your image, are those who make any dwelling a royal chamber?”

            Joseph looked at me, indicating the end of audience. In the course of earthly time, I had to leave. Though I had to comply, I wished the dialogue would go on through my journey.