Episode 2 – A Celebration Begins
The mass of all in mutual age; fullest to their years and height of life and beauty; no cause for concern; Heaven at last keeps them new. Youth, and all that this embodies, lives in them, much like when they were beginning to venture into their earthly lives. And if by child they were lost from earth and sent to Heaven, so too they were born like early adults complete.
Though of Daniel; what of him? To be born and unearthed into Heaven should be called the same? A child is born into Heaven; unknowing, with twinkles of new birth still in his gate. Some thought it was a mistake; thought he was not ready. Those lighted expressions as they passed by, with curious stares, and thoughts bouncing from look to look. Understanding still not the reason for this mystery; still, in all, to delight in Daniel's birthday.
And so the celebration for all of Heaven to see did commence. The inhabitants will always remain; there are no tears here; no reason for their shedding. If but a glimpse could sparkle briefly in an earthly eye; what stories could be told! The vantage point to Faith would no longer test the spiritual will of those who were yet to come. These that are here; so many, from every vantage point of time and space; have Hope fulfilled. It shows in their eyes, their smiles, their cordial embraces, and the whimsical fancy they do bestow. Rainbows now do all join in circles and move round fully the bounds of Heaven. For them, the key unlocked eternal life.
Many roars and cheers enveloped the masses as they wandered in and about to see this little Daniel child show himself. He had his manners, as children normally do. The gallant greetings of everyone who saw Daniel made his expression rise into a perpetual glee.
Then, by the sunrise of a middle day, did a light of glorious mansions appear upon the ridge, and move in light and motion as if in a walk of its own. The silhouette formed and so filled out to grace a man in step and pace coming their way. His robe was of a golden purple hue; his hair drenched each side of his face like a fold of dark locks; the expression, warm and inviting; graceful eyes that did dance when they blinked. A smile born from Love and Eternal grace when exposed; the happy disposition; of peace and highest esteem became more in clarity as he approached. The multitude of angels came to a full bow while his presence bore to them the significance of who he was. Still, he came; the harmony astounds; a hush roared through; silence soon invoked the reverence of his name.
"It is Jesus!" one did say; then come to a full bow on his own.
His kingly eyes caught all into His view; and in such, He stared to all; each, as though they were all most important to Him. These were His children; the flock of a shepherd; He so caring with most love for His sons and His daughters, who were now in collective view and response. Now in one instant pose, did they bend to bow in unison and lowering heads.
Ethan and Lauren and so too, little Daniel stood before Him there.
His glint of a smile was radiant and predisposed; with soft, coal eyes that did penetrate, but not to impose. Love was rampant in every motion He took; the long cloak of His sleeves swayed as His hands and arms moved forward. The sandals to His feet remained as if He had just come from His earthly life; a prince of poverty and of extreme riches; of astounding grace and the deepest humility. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit all at once embraced. He did not come to intimidate or to judge, but to bring His peace and Eternal Love for their mutual humanity.
Now, to this precious moment, the King stood before them without heirs.
Without word He took hold of little Daniel; held him close; felt the warmth of his child clothes; held him deeper still, then propped the child about His arms with a look of such supreme Love that all did feel the power in His gracefulness.
"So you are baby Daniel," He smiled with His imperial voice sounding free, "Welcome…" Daniel touched Jesus with the tiniest of his fingers.
"You wish to play," Jesus flashed a slight giggle, a smile, a look of total delight, and so stalled with the deepest gaze imaginable, "well then; it is well…"
"Is he chosen?" Lauren meekly asked.
Jesus stared upon her with the measures of a saint.
"Oh yes," He smiled, "as you are all…You are my children, and I knew you before you entered the earthly womb of your mother… And so is baby Daniel…"
"Please bring peace to his family," Ethan asked.
"Don't you see?" Jesus looked at him, "I never abandon my children… I am with them always; and to this day, and forever more… I am with them… My eyes are upon them, even now. You will see… as I do see…"
Jesus moved forward to hold them both; Daniel held warmly in their midst.
"Give direction to Daniel for a time; and when this comes, release him to be free… His journey will begin…"
"What sign will tell us to release him? And to where?"
"It is written in the heart; your heart will speak to you… listen closely…" Jesus kept His eyes fully on Daniel; who, in turn, never swayed from his loving view on Jesus, "Just let him be free… His journey begins there…"
"Where will it lead?" Lauren looked to Ethan, then to Jesus.
"To his destiny…" Jesus whispered to her.
"Our Father is great…" Ethan proclaimed, "God is great…"
"And so it is written…" Jesus laid little Daniel within his grandmother's arms; the encounter brief and gone all too soon.
Jesus moved among the folds and midst of His children. The engagements were warm and always inviting; never would He turn one away. When the heart is right and receives; Jesus freely enters. This is enough for Him to accept; to receive Him to heart and accept His creed.
The marvels of Daniel's new birthday made all who were near to bring upon him an eager reception. The smiles abound; the celebration endures; no day falls into night; there is no darkness to hide the Truth with; all is fully exposed. But so did the many colors flame across the sky in random degrees. Some would lay on the fields; feel the hand of God wave upon the lands and their cheeks; gaze up to the infinite realm of sky and eternity; watch the embers glow from every piction of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet; revert about again and exchange in their sequence.
Angels went to flight once more. And so the ambiance of these colors shimmered through their wings. They could hear the laughter in that play from below; the echoes roared a sweet musical tune an orchestra could never play.
"What will come of Daniel when this comes?" Lauren asked of her spouse.
"The Father knows," he stopped to gaze deeply over her, "and even still, Faith must remain… He will grow into the destiny he is to own…"
"A special child…" Lauren dropped her eyes to still see baby Daniel in his happy play, "The Lord will provide… Our eternal life is affirmed proof of that."
Life, death, and Life reborn once more; the antiquity of so small measures in time and place grows to know no age. But what worth becomes, not by elders or by antiques, but by what is and what shall become. Daniel has not ended all, yet has only just begun. Heaven calls this just, yet an earthly family still is in disdain. They see only as much as their senses bear; Faith and prayer will take them the rest of the way. That is, for now.
Their lives feel ruined by so this apparent plague. The unhappiness unfolds the years for as long as memory can serve them reminders for what transpired. A son lost; thrown into the abyss of some unknown. A brother of what could have been, sent to earth and its solitary home. Lives will continue; albeit with regret. The family ruptured and split into seams. Heaven has patchwork and the ability to heal.
But instead, the child is not lost; was never put astray. He is here; in heart and home and will always be the child safely locked away for as long as life gives breath to the spirit, to the body, to the soul. Daniel is not too far; just a whisper away; a faint prayer lofted to Heaven for certain ears to hear; his among the few.
The journey not too far, but soon to begin; Heaven knows and is secure. Little Daniel in life, in death, and in life again, will bring light to shadows; cast affection where the need is; follow the road to his destiny; yearn for the connection of all things dear; make memories glow warm even yet; hold to hands where the need comes; embrace those with love in their hearts for him; and in all that is to end, there is no end to come.
Amen.
Author's Notes:
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