Introduction of the Angels
The angels moved to slowly come closer; bow in reverence, and look to them with curious expressions. Now to these angels, they were élite in size and strength, some reaching as high as ten feet; athletic, supreme in length and agility. Their faces were long and cut as if by a powerful sword; eyes of gold that sparkled when they looked straight upon their targets. Hands as large as small boulders, with vice grips that could crush the girth of a grizzly. Many wore breastplates of pure gold, with swords and sheaths like scabbards drawn over the length of their backs. Of which, all were made from pure gold. Others had shields as long and as large as a normal, earthly man; swung about their rears and tethered by rope twined in pearls and diamonds with glitter boxes that burst with infinite shine and glow.
Their imposing wings were their most distinctive, majestic feature. Large and engrossing as these twin feather-like towers rose in high arch above their galactic heads. When they spread to unfurl about, they would stretch twice the length of the angel themselves, and make a sound as if a heavy wind were in blow and just went by. Such an expansive and graceful creäture of God when they released themselves in full length; wings spread wide with those pointed ends; smooth, white and akin to clouds with sprays as long as the forever skies.
One came forward.
His eyes graced a look down on little Daniel; a look which moved to enlighten his expression replete in a happy smile.
"Do grace me," he looked at Lauren, "may I… hold him?"
"Of certain," she released Daniel to him.
He paused and gave his full concentration on this little child; the wonderment, the glassy stare which penetrated the shared look that sat between them. The grand angel marveled like a child with a new-found toy sitting by his bedside when he awoke on a young Christmas day.
"God is my judge," he smiled briefly, laughed in a short stint with his large mouth gaping free, "Daniel… It is good to see you…"
More angels came to his side and they too, looked below to Daniel with wonderment.
"The thirteenth warrior…" another spoke out.
"Will he fly?" Yet another angel leaned over to inspect Daniel.
"Of certain," one spouted, "and the fastest ever…"
"I see no wings," another proclaimed.
"In time," the one holding him stated, "You will see…"
A glance and a spray of sunshine sped across his expression as he yielded and returned Daniel to his grandmother. The three moved forward only to be met by more congratulations and well wishers. You see; in the lands of Heaven there is no age; no time spent. Tomorrow is as of today, and yesterday is as of the same. Nothing to grow old or whither by; no death employed to sentence those to some other end. Life; as to be always and forever, endures well in these lands.
The masses were of 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 gait. 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. Not still understanding 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 – they have Hope fulfilled. It shows in their eyes, their smiles, their cordial embraces, and the whimsical fancy they do bestow. Rainbows now all join in circles and not in half-parts - but move round fully the bounds of Heaven. For them, the great key from the Savior 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 grin and glee.