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Show No Groator By U anda . I'elemm Kings," Amasah was weary of the tending camels, weary of walking beside them, weary of traveling with the caravan. Day after day he had trudged through Have yourself a precious little Christmas! We J extend oversized thanks for your friendship and confidence. Greenwood Motor Service Co. 202 East State Rd. 756-285- American Fork 1 SHIP up generous portions of holiday happiness to our devoted patrons, adding a sprinkle of good cheer and thanks! Shane and Bill Jakeman PLACE 2 East Main American Fork Wishing you fhcJc sce$ merriment and a souffle of happy memories, served with our thanks and appreciation La Casa 210 W. Supper Club State - Lehi 768-907- 3 7 the burning sands of the hot, eastern deserts. At last the Judean hills were in sight, and Jerusalem, he knew, lay not far ahead. "Amasah, here we will set up camp this night. Come, Boy. Tend the animals. Pitch the tents," came, the command from Balthasar. The boy obeyed his king and halted the caravan. Soon the travel worn animals and men were at rest, the kings in their tents, reclining on plush rugs spread on the rough ground. The camels were tethered and fed, and the kings were eating the hearty meal prepared by the slaves. "Where is the star, Oh Holy Master?" Amasah inquired. "It will shine again when darkness falls. Worry not. It has shone for us every night of our journey, and will not fail us now," Balthazar replied kindly. "Go to thy bed with the other slaves. We will journey to Jerusalem on the morrow. Tonight we have no further need of thee." As the servants spread their blankets on the ground the sky darkened, and then the great star they had followed across the deserts began to spread its glowing The days brightness. were hard for Amasah, but when evening fell and the new star shone again, it lent a feeling of hope to the youth. They were being guided to the home of a new born king, a king would would bring peace to all the world. When the caravan reached the city, the narrow, dirty streets were crowded with camels, donkeys and people. Amasah was astonished at the great, open markets, and he marvelled at the display of foods, clothing, baskets, household articles, fine fabrics and jewelry for sale in the stalls. Here at last, he thought, he might spend his few sheckles for a gift worthy to take to the Child. It was his treatest wish to see and pay homage to this new little king. But Balthazar urged the caravan on and would permit no dallying there. On toward the palace of Herod the three kings pressed, nor gave a glance at the beautiful merchandise displayed on the right and on the Herod greeted the Eastern travelers. "Peace be unto you. What seek ye in Jerusalem?" The Three Wise Men approached the throne. "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" they inquired. "For we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship Him." Herod was troubled and angry, but he made a show of friendliness and hospitality. "Take rest here for this night." King Herod invited. "Sup with me and enjoy my entertainment. On the morrow I will seek answers to your inquiries." Amasah, waiting behind his masters, witnessed the dancing of the servant girls who furnished the en- tertainment. Dressed in exotic gowns, they and swayed swirled before the royal persons to the rhythm of the lutes and psalteries. The boy was entranced by one small dancer who appeared unusually frail and weary. She wavered in her dancing and seemed as if she might fall. Herod flew into a rage. "Go, you clumsy slave," he roared. "I should sell thee in the market place," and he banished her from the room. Silently Amasah left the assemblage and sought the servant girl where she huddled in an outer hall, weeping miserably. "Thou are not well, Maiden," he whispered. "Can I serve you?" "Oh, yes," she replied. "I wish to go to my quarters for I am indeed ill." Amasah secretly assisted her to her room, where she lay upon her couch, sad and forlorn. "I am Orpha," she told Amasah, "a slave whom King Herod carried away from my home in Bethany to serve and dance for him here. But I fain would return to my home and parents to escape his wrath and harsh beatings." "Well, rest pha," Amasah now, Orconsoled her. "The hour is late. I shall try to see thee again on the morrow. May the peace of your Jehovah abide with thee." He retired, fearing to be observed near the slave girls' quarters. But peace had fled from Amasah that night, and a new desire had seized him, a desire to help free this poor girl. After the Eastern kings had left his throne room, Herod gathered his chief left. priests and scribes and At Herod's palace the inquired of them where caravan halted, and the Christ was to be born. Melchoir, Caspar and They searched in the Balthazar dismounted as books of the Law and the the camels knelt at their Prophets and read to command. Amasah was him, "In Bethlehem of dispatched to seek for his Judea; for thus it is masters an audience with written by the Prophet, Herod the King. A 'And thou, Bethlehem, in haughty servant met him the land of Juda, art not the least among the in the courtyard. "What wishest thou?" princes of Juda ; for out of thee shall come a he demanded. Noble Ge- governor, that shall rule "Oh, ntlemen," Amasah my people, Israel.'" Herod was fearful. begged, "I seek audience was the with Herod the Great, for Here indeed my masters, Three Kings prophecy he had heard about but refused to of the East." Soon they were ushered believe - a new king child into the presence of the who would usurp his throne. He determined to royal Jew. "Welcome, Oh Worthy kill the baby. When the Um Than This three Wise Men departed his palace the next day, Herod said to them, "Go and find the young child; then return and tell me that I may go and worship him also." As the caravan wended toward its way Bethlehem, Amasah sought out Balthazar and spoke quietly to him, "Master. I like not this King Herod. He is not kind to his servants, as thou and these others art. He beats the young maiden who dances for him and refuses to free her to return to her home in Bethany." "How came you to about her, Amasah?" Balthazar know beast?" over ancient cob- whom he took by force from her home when she was dancing and singing in her garden for her mother. I wish I could set her free." "I have a few sheckles, Master, which I could give to King Herod. Thinkesi mou that he would sell her to me?" "But I thought you were saving your coins to buy a gift for the new born king," Balthazar remonstrated. "Yes, that is so, but I would love the new king no less if I gave Him no gift. And this poor maiden suffereth much." "Thou art a good boy, his master Amasah," said. "I am willing to help you free the maiden. Thou mayest have that small beast of burden yonder to sell in the market. He should bring a good price to go with the money you have. But thee will have to return to Jerusalem alone and miss seeing the Holy Babe. Caspar and Melchior are pressing on, and I cannot be separated from them. Dare ye to make this effort alone?" Amasah hesitated. He would miss seeing the Babe, but the frail face of Orpha came before his mind's eye, and he replied, "Aye, Master, and I praise the great Jehovah in thy name for thy kindness. Wilt thou look with respect upon the new king for me? " "That I will," assured the master. "But where shall I meet thee when thou returnest to Jerusalem?" asked Amasah. "We return Jerusalem, not to Amasah," replied Balthazar. "We like not King Herod either, and we were warned by an angel in a dream to return to our homes another way. Herod means to harm the child, and we will not help him. Thou wilt needs find another caravan returning to our land when thy mission is accomplished. Perhaps you may even have to remain here in this land. Are you willing to risk that?" can do only what I must," replied the lad. master. "Is this not a fine offer "I will buy the beast. Here are coins enough." Amasah was ecstatic. With the gold coins jingling in his money bag, he turned his face towards Herod's palace. As he left the market and xchange," Lad. beyond gate, the two ruffians seized him, beat him over the head, grabbed his bag of money and left him on the road. half-conscio- "Is she not a slave?" "Aye, Master, one but I must have a poorer in return to take to his former master." "What sayest thou?" demanded the slave I make? To get this strong lad, you need only give me one of those useless little dancing girls. I would take the least of them in e- him. Amasah's despair no knew bounds. he crawled the gate and near a small He berated having been so careless, swinging the bag of gold coins where all could see. He wept in frustration. How was he ever to help Orpha now? His head ached and he was hungry. Some small pieces of bread were in his knapsack and he began to eat when an elderly man aproached and begged alms of him. "I have no alms, Sir," the boy said, "but gladly will I share this bread with thee." Sitting side by side the boy and the beggar ate the last of the Reviving, away from took refuge stone hut. himself for food Amasah's from knapsack. "Why art thou alone, Boy?" inquired the man. Amasah told of Orpha and his desire to help, and of his foolishness in losing the gold. "Perhaps I can help thee. Thou wast ever generous and kind to share your last food with me. Let us rest here in this hut tonight and think upon your problem." They then spread Amasah's blankets inside the shelter and shared the night together. When morning came they were cold and hungry, but Amasah was determined to find a way to complete his errand of mercy. The man said, "I was a servant in the court of King Herod once. He bade me go buy another slave, but I, even as you, foolishly lost the gold he gave me, and I dared not return without a new slave. What would you be willing to give in return for the freedom of Orpha?" "I have nothing left but my life, Oh Elder One," replied the boy. "That I could give, for I am of no more use as you see me now." "You would be willing to give your life for her freedom! Do you realize what you say?" "Yes," Amasah whispered. "Let us then seek out Herod's palace. I know my way thereabouts." When they arrived in Herod's court they were met by the slave master. "Well, Ahabidiah, thou hast returned at last. And I see thou hast brought a Amasah felt small and lonely as he separated the young donkey from the other beasts and turned back towards new slave." "Yes, but I cannot give Jerusalem. But he was to Herod for those him Ordetermined to buy few coins he bade me and send freedom 's pha her home. Once in the pay. This is a fine, strong He will be a city he headed to the open youth. worthy slave to the king, Lehi Free Press Page 21 1979 servant blestones he trudged, leading the donkey and calling in a loud voice the price he asked. At length a merchant approached passed boy. cried. he the narrow Through streets and alleys and Damascus inquired. "I sought her out to offer aid," replied the I crying his wares. "Who will buy this fine market, Thursday. December 20. insisted Ahabidiah. trade was accomplished. Orpha was brought to the And so the beggar, and Amasah was face to face with her for a moment. As he pressed her small hand, a mantle of peace descended upon him, and quiet rested upon his soul. Ahabidiah Quickly departed the court yard with Orpha, and leaving Jerusalem by the eastern route he took her across the Kedron valley and on around the mount to Bethany. That night in his lonely slave quarters, Amasah looked out at the starry sky, and to his one star amazement, brighter than the rest seemed to shine directly down upon him. He tried to sleep, but the glory of the star enveloped him in its brilliance. He could hear the angels singing. Then he heard a voice saying to him, "No greater love hath a man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend. And inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me." Life as a slave in Herod's court was not easy for Amasah. His job was to tend the animals for the soldiers. Horses, camels and donkeys filled Herod's stables. And as the days wore on the youth began to hear murmurings of dire things being planned by Herod. Soldiers were everywhere provisioned with swords and uniforms. They were being trained in seeking out fugitives and in harassing the common people. Amasah inquired of the slave master the reason for this new activity, but he was told to do his work and not meddle. Day after day Amasah the toiled, cleaned stables, watered, fed and groomed the animals, ran at the beck of his masters, and did their biddings to escape their wrath. At times the peace he had felt when he saw Orpha escape began to fade, and the of his position burned a heavy burden on his soul. How he longed for the kindness of Balthazar, for the days in his former home. hopelessness was indeed burdensome to be a slave here, with no hope for any future escape. Still he was glad when he remembered the happiness in Orpha 's face as she bade him farewell. One morning Amasah was called early by his master and told to go quickly to the stables. There he found much activity. Soldiers were mounting their horses and being directed where to go. The lad scurried here and there preparing mounts for the men, handing them supplies, and wondering what was about to take place. (Continued on Page 22) It Y i. Athenians Joping all the prec things in Life will come to you this Christmas! Warm thanks. Hi IS, Since 1882 Your One Stop Shopping Center LEHI. UTAH iMM happy Holiday. The silver sounds of sleigh bells eeho h rough the Christinas air with a message of hope and joy for all. They ring out too, our thanks for your loyal friendship. ShirVsKlip'nKurl 560 West State Rd. American Fork 756-778- 5 JBt oiled up these warm wishes Packed 'em ml 7T - i tfun. 9full of For a Happy, Happy Christmas w Ilk That's a really , perfect one. ml hans Christmas share the special .blessings of the holiday with those vou hold most dear. Sincere thanks. HJay the Holy Blessed Meaning of His birth be yours at Christmas. Reverent thanks one and all. Irk Lehi Stake Presidency and Bert Snow Auto Parts Service Co. 1 East State Street 768-325-1 - Lehi The Athenian Club's Christmas party was held at the home of Beatrice 12. Dec. Taylor, Fawn Willes President was in charge. Special guests were Ken and Connie Grace, with who entertained Christmas songs with guitar accompaniment. Their program was enjoyed by ail present. luncheon A delicious was served by the hostess Beatrice Taylor, assisted by Marie Willes. Fourteen members were present. The next meeting will be Jan. 9 at the home of Georgida Goates. many joys of this dazzling holiday 69 South Main 756-604- '' 'j A '. '' V p pfe 4 t y , .ft A JjNMi! the opportunity to say thanks to manv friends. i -- is J- i Boley Realty, Inc. 135 North 100 East 756-609- to you all. Personal Finance Corp. Celebrate May you 5 6 - American Fork American Fork |