The Christmas Slave

The Christmas Slave I ponder these days as a lonely man wondering, why live? My slaves adore me, but they still fear me, oh why, dear God, why? I sit near the fireplace in a darkened room with warm embers glowing and watching the dying fire dance on the windowpane. I begin to stare out through the frosted window watching the majestic snowfall. Still pondering on my melancholy woos when a messenger knocked on my door. My Butler opened the creaking door, a rush of cold air and snow ushered in. With my Butler besides me there stood the messenger I know with a slave I recently purchased and I begged them to come in. They dressed her in warm but ragged clothes, in chains and with her head bowed, then I saw the sorrow of her demeanor which overtook me, and I felt despondent. I called for my Butler to take her and clean her up with appropriate clothing and unchain her. The Butler presented her to me, and I noticed a warm and vibrant aura about her. I wondered, what does this mean, why does her presence tug at my soul? I asked her name, and she said it’s Gabriel as her smile radiated its beauty throughout my house, and with that, I was well Pleased. It moved me so that I called for my Butler and made a declaration that when I die, my slaves will be free and inherit this property. The Butler took down my declaration, and I signed it. Gabriel, straighten up, smiled, and she began to transform. I was in awe, wonder and fear, but then I saw this beautiful Angel known as Gabriel. I fell to my knees to honor her. She said to me Rise oh wonderful and kind man, for the Lord saw favor in you, and I am here to take you home. Oh, what great joy, then I saw my Butler cry and begging me not to go. But I must go, so you can live free, have an abundance for your families and the Lord will bless you. I died this day, December 24 1813.