Can you imagine what it was like moments after Jesus' birth? Read an excerpt from Silent Night, Holy War in today's edition of FaithWalk: Courage for the Journey.
Moments After the War
by Ron Susek
@Golden Quill Publications
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
(Luke 2:9)
A note of explanation: The excerpt you are about to read from the book, Silent Night, Holy War, touches upon the demonically crazed mind of King Herod, the protective angels and the announcement to the shepherds moments after Jesus' birth. I hope you will purchase a copy of the book to get the entire story. See purchasing options below.
Herod could not hear the infant's triumphant cry, but abruptly stopped pacing mid-stride. The 
messenger of threat pressed his torment deeper. "You're done! Your demise has come! You're finished!
Herod lifted his face skyward, shook his fist toward the gods and yelled, "No! . . . No! . . . No! I will not be broken! I shall conquer any rival. I shall reign forever."
He screamed for everyone to leave his presence. Then, with a whimper, he slumped into a chair, alone. His horror-riddled mind reached for a soft, comforting memory, something to ease the fearsome pain, his eyes were glazed as he repeated the name Miriamne, where are you . . . O Miriamne, where are you?"
By now, the wall guarding his sanity had collapsed completely. He tried to reconstruct it by calling to the past - Miriamne, Miriamne - but the wall was forever gone. The past he destroyed could not save him now.
Dripping with perspiration, he heard the demons' torments. This night the phantom went beyond exciting Herod's thoughts and emotions to confronting him audibly. "Finished! You are destroyed! Tonight is the beginning of the end!"
On the feeding slopes near Bethlehem the shepherds had experienced their worst night in memory. Relief did not come until deep into the night when the flocks unexplainably settled down.
Satan and his legions broke rank, bloodied and bruised, torn and tired. They returned to their posts around the world to resume their work in the affairs of mankind - ever lurking, hoping for another chance to seize the prize of this eternal conquest.
Heaven's angels remained on the battlefield after the birth, waiting to announce the victory. The shepherds, who were only an earshot from the cave, drowsily discussed the evening's disturbing events as they stared right past the unseen dignitaries gathering before them.
Suddenly, one angel removed the curtain that separates the visible realm from the invisible. Light burst out of the darkened sky, revealing images of beings. It was wholly different light from that known to earth. It came from within the beings, but cast no shadow on anything around them. There they were - a massive gathering of bright angels surrounded by a star-studded, black universe.
It happened without warning or announcement. Terror gripped the shepherds, and their minds were paralyzed. Finally, the eternal second eased. An angel spoke, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
My prayer is that you have found Him as well. May God grant to you the full awareness that the child in the manger is now King and Lord and Savior of your heart.
Always remember, Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron
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