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Andrew Clinton visits Baby Jesus
Enjoy your adventure! Love, Dad
Of all the holidays, Andrew Clinton, age 5, of Portsmouth, Virginia, liked Christmas the best. Mommy, Sissy, and Aunt Carol exchanged presents with Andrew and told Christmas stories about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The star on top of the Christmas tree reminded Andrew of the one that guided the three Wise Men to the Christ Child. Gazing at the manger scene near the Christmas tree, Andrew thought about following the star with the three Wise Men. Suddenly, a voice called his name. "Andrew , come with us and follow the star!" said one of the Wise Men. "You may ride with our caravan on this little donkey."
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Andrew quickly dressed in traveling clothes and joined the caravan. The bright star shone a silver path in the night. After riding a long way, they arrived in Jerusalem. King Herod commanded his servants to bring them to the palace. The Wise Men told Herod they were following the bright star to find Baby Jesus. The king said, "When you find the Child, return and tell me where He lives so I may also worship Him." Andrew remembered Mommy, Sissy, and Aunt Carol saying that Herod was afraid Jesus would one day be king, and that Herod really planned to destroy Baby Jesus.
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"I must tell the Wise Men about what Herod intends to do," Andrew thought. After the caravan left the palace, he explained Herod's evil plan to the Wise Men. "That scoundrel! In that case, we won't tell anyone where to find the Child," said one Wise Man. "Jesus will be safe, thanks to Andrew ," added another. The caravan continued its long journey. The bright star guided the travelers like a beacon of light. "Mommy, Sissy and Aunt Carol would enjoy this wonderful journey," thought Andrew . Finally, the bright ray of light pointed to the small town of Bethlehem. Sheep, horses and cows silently welcomed the caravan.
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Joseph opened the door and invited the travelers inside. "Welcome, Andrew . You have journeyed from a distant land," said Joseph. The Wise Men entered and bowed low before Mary and Baby Jesus. They presented costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Andrew crept close to Jesus and His mother, Mary. Jesus was making little baby sounds while his mother hummed a lullaby. "I wish Mommy, Sissy and Aunt Carol were here to feel God's love," Andrew said. Mary smiled at Andrew and said, "You can always feel God's love if you keep Him close to your heart."
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The glow of light around the Holy Family became soft and golden. Jesus slept soundly in his mother's arms. Andrew also felt sleepy. Finally, a Wise Man gently lifted Andrew onto the little donkey that waited in the Bethlehem night. He quickly fell to sleep during the long ride home. The Wise Man whispered, "Farewell, child. We have brought you home to Portsmouth, Virginia." Andrew could see that the manger scene near the Christmas tree had changed. The three Wise Men had presented their costly gifts, and the little donkey stood nearby. But Baby Jesus was no longer just lying in the manger. Now, Andrew held Jesus close to his heart.
