The Christmas Dream
Come with me to Bethlehem where we are visiting the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuous operating churches in the world. Here you can see the place where it is believed that Jesus, our Lord and Savior was born. His birth is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Too soon it is time to leave and we wind our way to the parking area where we are greeted by our driver. Quickly we board the bus and find our seats for the return trip to our hotel. Leaning back in my seat I imagine that it is Christmas time. I see in my mind the pageantry — the processions and hear the choirs singing anthems of praise in honor of the birth of Jesus. Before long the quiet hum of the highway lulls me into a dream-filled sleep.
The dream transports me to a time past — a time when Bethlehem is under the rulership of King Herod. In my dream I am walking along the roadway humming that happy tune with no words when I hear those hopeful words of Isaiah the prophet. Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].
The voice continues speaking to me. The time has come — the time is now. This night something wonderful will take place under the open sky. The world will never be the same — it will change the world forever. Go to the hills where the shepherds are keeping watch over their flocks. Do not be afraid to go; I Am the I Am. I am preparing the way for you.
My heart did burn within me — the I Am had spoken to me as He had to Moses.
From the beginning of time I was destined to be a shepherdess, and I love the sheep, but this will be my first time to be in the hills for the night watches. I hurry to my friend’s house to share with her what I heard and ask for her help. She gives me the proper clothing and helps me get dressed.
Her young son is going on his very first night trip into the hills with his dad and his excitement, which knows no bounds, will draw attention away from me. Tonight he will help his dad and the other shepherds watch their flocks of sheep in the fields round about Bethlehem.
After supper, imitating his dad he retrieves his cloak and his very own staff. Following his dad he steps into the overwhelming darkness. Just as the fear almost drives him back indoors he feels his dad’s big, rough hand grasp his. His eyes soon adjust to the night, the sounds of the sheep comfort him and I hear him laugh when the moon appears and bright stars begin to twinkle.
Together we climb the hills outside their tent where they greet the others. I stay in the shadows 
within hearing distance. Quickly, it is decided that the little boy and his dad will have the first watch when suddenly a blazing light shines out of the heaven.
Shaking with excitement I hardly believe my eyes. There is a great host of angels hovering in the sky above us. The Angel of the Lord says, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
At once the angel was joined by the huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”
While the men are discussing this news among themselves I run to the City of David to search for the Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manager. My search is soon ended when I see the shining star above the stable. The stable is filled with light that is spilling out into the darkness. I look inside and there they are! No one had to tell me that this is the Baby we have looked for! His mother looks at me with gentle eyes and beckons me inside.
Suddenly, I’m awake. The vivid dream has renewed my faith. Long ago He came to earth. There it was—the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person. (John 1:9) My Light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon me and all those who believe.
My friends, on this Christmas day rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory for your Light has come. Arise and rejoice because He is your exceeding great joy. Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Set aside the cares of this present age and welcome the Living Word into your hearts proclaiming with the angelic host: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Copyright © Germaine Copeland 2008
Germaine and the staff of Word Ministries wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.