( Publisher Note: Each
time we read the Bible, we learn something new that we didn’t
grasp or see earlier. God uses a variety of ways to get His
word across, to make us better understand, and it makes the
reading and learning of the Bible that much more interesting.
And so, we will use the following "true" story to "get a
thought across". The story really isn’t about Christmas
– it’s about “love”. And, if you read it from the
prospective that came to my mind when I read it, it isn’t
about horses - it’s about young people not always fully
understanding “love” or the need older ones have to be loved
and not discarded simply because we’re old! Until Christ
takes us home, we, too, still have a purpose here on earth.
See what you think! …..Bob )
BECAUSE OF LOVE!
A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory
pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their
elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The
farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine
Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind
the farm. Through the years, the tree had become a
talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the
countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of
their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added
more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a
different life.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years
had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those
frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason
to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They
sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason
for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.
Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted
the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of the
Old One. She is no longer of use to you. It's
been years since you've had foals from her. You should
cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves.
How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but
expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes,
scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could
use a pair of new boots.
His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew
her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind
her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because
of love. Nothing else, just love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and
his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as
darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook
their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit.
A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these
young folks do not understand the peace of the love that
filled their hearts?
So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one
noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the
old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but
the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the
hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay.
With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his
wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their
beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and
the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the
ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back
from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to
each other, they wept at their loss.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking,
glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife,
exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn.
They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered
ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was
nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his
wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his
shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red
bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but
God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let
us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where
we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will
look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has
been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that
have been taken from us.
And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the
snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of
his old and withered hand. The journey up the hill was
hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they
stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they
paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old
couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the
incredible beauty before them.
Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was
caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their
beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles.
And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon
glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal
created a Christmas tree such as this. They were
breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible
joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand
and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in
resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the
darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening
in the night light.
Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the
tree, was the entire herd, safe.
At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with
her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with
great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the
hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals
were frightened and dashed about. The skittish
yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and
tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and
hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a
new year’s crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old
One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath
the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the
faces of the old man and his wife.
Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was
brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes
were filled with devotion as she offered her gift.
Because of love. Only Because of love.
Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and
joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.
…..Willy Eagle
by way of Carolyn Smith
carolyn_smith42@msn.com
and “Christian Voices”
http://www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net
