The Legend by Mildred Krentel

There is a legend, somewhat old, that tell it like this:

“Huddled in a far-removed corner of Heaven were three new-fledged angels; their wings were droop-eared, their faces were joyless.

‘Why would God create such a child as that?  He has left the light out of her eyes.’

‘I saw her just before she left for Earth, not five minutes ago, she will not be able to walk….nor talk, not ever!’

And the three young angels covered their faces.

Upon this scene, the God of Heaven and Earth appeared.  His voice thundered forth, ‘Is it not written…who maketh the dumb or the deaf or the seeing or the blind, have not I the Lord?’

And the silence was great.

‘But, Father, do the Earth-people read Your Word?

Can they remember that You love them with an unchanging love?’

And God turned His face away. ‘Could it be,’ He said sadly,’ that they have forgotten so soon the gift of my Son that long ago Christmas Day?  My Love-Gift to all men everywhere…do they yet have need of something more?’

And as they stood there, quietly remembering, God spoke again. ‘Come, small angels, you are now ready for your first Earth-mission.’

To the first angel, He said, ‘You will comfort the mother of this child.  Remind her only I can bind up her aching heart.’

To the second, ‘You are to go to the side of the saddened father.  Whisper softly that-In my presence is fullness of joy.’

To the third, ‘And you I dispatch to take care of this special child.  Keep her in all her ways; bear her up in your hands lest she stumble on a stone.  Then, when you hear me calling, you are to bring her safely back Home again to Me.’

And the three little angels looked up into the loving face of God and burst into songs of praise and joy. And echoing throughout the arches of Heaven were happy hallelujahs and loud amens!

-M.E.K