Window of Time

A Chapter by Kathryn Smith

Jacob remembered that the children in heaven were instructed not to grow too attached to humans on earth.

Though he tried his best not to, he knew he would miss Solomon.

Yet Jacob had work to do, so he continued his flight. He had no idea where his father would land him so he tried to enjoy himself.

Peering down below, the view took Jacob's very breath away.

The land was green.

Millions of shades of green. Light green, dark green, colors of green he had never seen before.

There were hills and mountains, rocks, streams, farms, and sheep.

He began his descent towards a small village.

A soft wind blew him down from the sky, and a voice from the heavens spoke.

Jacob, my son, this is Wexford. Take heed. Look to the window. No one will see you.

Back in the grass, Jacob watched closely.

A small boy appeared. His hair coper, his eyes hazel and hungry.

Inside, the mother of the little boy was crying. The house was full of family who seemed to be grieving. It was dark and cold. Silent. There was not a trace of food nor joy.

No one would have believed it to be Christmas.

Jacob continued to observe the boy.

And soon the day turned to night.

Again, the boy sat by the window and looked out the to the brightest neon star in the sky.

The silence was broken by his voice. The boy began to sing in the purest most beautiful voice Jacob had ever heard.

Good people all, this Christmas-time
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending His beloved Son
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born

With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the Babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold
They did our Saviour Christ behold
Within a manger He was laid
And by his side the Virgin Maid
As long foretold, there was a blessed Messiah born

As the Wexford child sang, Jacob felt the boy's own soul. He felt his deep yearning and desperate hope for a better life. But the strongest feeling Jacob noticed from the boy, was his happiness. His thankfulness, his inner peace.

Jacob did not understand. With nothing, how was that boy so content? Why was he at such peace when all around him there was darkness? Jacob struggled back tears of his own as he continued to gaze at the child.

On a star the boy made a small wish.

And once again, Jacob found himself in the sky above.