I was the first to awaken and saw Maggie was halfway there. Snuggling close, I gave her a good morning wake-up kiss on the cheek. Just then, Becky bounded in the room and pounced on the bed.

"Daddy, Mommy . . . Bubba said he hadda bad dweam, an' I'm scared . . ."

Josh followed close behind Becky, blinking his eyes. "Oh, Becky, shush. It was just a dream."

Although I could see Josh wasn't fully awake, you'd never know it by his hair. It had just started to grow out, and he looked fresh-faced and all ready to go. I, on the other hand, looked like one of the Marx Brothers with my rumpled hair.

"So, what was your dream about?" I asked.

"Well, it was pretty scary," Josh replied. "Something about a terrorist with a car bomb, but actually it was kinda vague. I'm glad it was just a short dream."

"Me, too, for your sake. I hate nightmares. So, guys, what do you say we re-run yesterday morning's breakfast plans and send up for room service again? I'll also ask them to include a copy of the Times so we can see if there's any more news about the bomb on our flight.

While we ate, I flipped through the newspaper. Finally I found it. It was just a small follow-up article buried deep in the paper, with no information than what we already knew.

Maggie said, "You know, I've been thinking. Today is the Jewish Sabbath, so it's possible that many places in Jerusalem will be closed. Maybe we should go sightseeing on our own."

"Hmmm, good idea," I replied. "Any suggestions?"

All of us thought for a bit, then Josh said, "How about Bethlehem? I've always loved the nativity story."

We unanimously agreed, and when we were all dressed, I handed the car keys to Josh as we strode to the elevator. Once in the lobby, Josh headed to the parking garage door, while the rest of us walked out the front door and waited for him around the corner.

As we waited, an old decrepit car pulled into the entrance of the garage. Maggie was busy retying one of Becky's shoes, but I got a good look at the driver. He was obviously Middle Eastern, and what bothered me most was he was sweating profusely while his eyes darted in all directions. It wasn't that hot yet for him to be perspiring so much.

Before I had a chance to mention it to Maggie, I heard a powerful explosion and saw a tremendous amount of debris fly out of the garage. The force of the blast almost knocked us all to the ground. Maggie screamed, "Josh!"

Quickly I grabbed her shoulders and told her to take Becky across the street and sit on one of the benches in front of the park. I attempted to enter the parking garage, but thick black oily smoke poured out the door, making it impossible. I felt scared and helpless. Turning, I was about to join Maggie and Becky when I saw an Israeli police car coming our way. It screeched to a stop and two police officers jumped out.

One of them asked me if I had seen anything, while the other keyed the mike of their radio through the window and spoke in rapid-fire language, unintelligible to me. I told the first officer about the man I'd seen enter just before the explosion. Then, grabbing the officer's arm, I pleaded, "My son is in there! Please do something!"

The officer assured me that plenty of help would arrive soon. "The fire station is only two blocks away, and unfortunately in our country, we are accustomed to dealing with situations like this all the time."

The officer asked me to stay nearby, as he wanted to question me further. I pointed to my wife and daughter across the street, and the officer said it would be a good idea if I joined them.

I felt like a powerless old man as I sat down on the park bench next to Maggie, who was sobbing uncontrollably. In an effort to comfort her, I put my arm around her, although I knew my own heart was breaking just as much as Maggie's. Becky fidgeted on Maggie's lap, looking very frightened. Wide-eyed, she kept asking, "Where's my Bubba?"

After a minute of silence, Maggie suggested, "Why don't we pray?" Joining hands, we bowed our heads and prayed for Josh's safety.

"Mom, Dad, Becky!" we heard Josh's voice interrupt. Our heads snapped up. Josh stood right in front of us, but he looked very different. In fact, everything looked different.

Josh appeared completely radiant, as if he were glowing. A man stood next to him, also just as radiant. Even the scene around us had changed. Our bench that had once faced the busy street, was now in a secluded area in a beautiful park-like setting. We were all speechless.

The man began to speak gently. "My father can bring good from any situation. I have brought Joshua to you so you may see for yourselves that he is safe."

Josh verified that quickly. "I feel wonderful, like I could fly if I wanted . . ."

Another bench appeared out of nowhere, and the man and Josh sat down. "We cannot stay long," the man continued, "but there are things you need to know that will help give you comfort. While my father did not send that man into the garage, the bomber's actions have actually spared Joshua four hard years of suffering through a terrible illness, which, at the end, would have taken his life anyway. You, too, have been spared watching him suffer, which as you know would have been a torment. The Holy Spirit will help you through your time of grief. He is, after all, the 'Comforter.'"

Josh added, "I didn't want to tell you guys and spoil our trip, but I was already starting to feel kind of ratty. Now I feel fantastic. Please be happy for me. I know you'll miss me, but I'll be able to see you and one day we'll all be together again."

Maggie finally found her voice and looked at the man, stammering, "Are you . . . ?"

His eyes were filled with love and compassion. "Yes, I am Jesus," he replied, smiling. "You knew that in your heart. When an infant is in its mother's womb, and the time comes for him to be born, it is really a kind of death--in other words, death to everything that child has ever known. But once he is born, he quickly learns that this new life in the outside world is much better after being cramped up for so long. There is freedom to move, and there are loving people to care for him. It is the same way with what humans call 'death.' They think it's terrible and it frightens them, but as you can plainly see, death is by no means the end of life. And again, the new life is much better than the former life."

"Thank you, Lord," Maggie whispered.

Jesus turned to me. "The jar in the trunk of the car has been destroyed."

I gasped, and Maggie looked at me, puzzled.

"I'll explain later," told her, turning to Jesus. "I'm sorry about the jar, and that document . . ."

"Oh, do not worry that the jar's destruction was a failure on your part. My father uses that for good as well. If the document had not been destroyed, one of two things would have happened: Either the authorities would have confiscated it or scientists would have debated endlessly about its authenticity. Have no doubt, Joe, it is authentic."

"I do believe you, Lord. But I don't understand why I was chosen to be the one to find it. I'm just an ordinary school teacher."

Jesus laughed. "None of God's children is ordinary. Everything and everyone He creates is extraordinary. Finding the jar was only the beginning of a very important mission for you, Joe. You must now get the message out to as many in the world as possible. I will return soon, very soon, to finally establish my father's kingdom on earth, and we want as many souls as possible to be saved. Satan knows his days are numbered, and he's been busy trying to turn as many souls away from God as possible."

"But how can I help with that?" I asked.

"Joe, you've already written one book. Simply take my mother's writings and include them at the end of a new book, telling exactly how they came to be in your possession. The single most important thing you must stress is that God is love. So many people picture Him lying quietly in wait, trying to catch them in some little misdemeanor so He can punish them. Nothing could be further from the truth. He loves each and every one and wants only the best for all His children. He knows the temptations you suffer, and because He is just and holy, He sent me to pay the price for your sins, so that you could all be free."

Maggie was so moved, she wept.

Jesus continued, "You know how precious your children are to you? Well, that is only a tiny fraction of how precious you are to your heavenly Father. Please help the people see this, Joe. You are one of many who are being sought during these last days to help save as many as possible from the clutches of the evil one. The book that you will write must not be sold, but given away freely. Freely you have received, now freely give."

"I would be honored to write this book and give it away, Lord. All I ask is your guidance in the writing and distribution," I said.

"Call on the Holy Spirit and you will have all the inspiration and help you'll need. I know you can do it." Then, winking at me, he said, "You've got mail . . ."

"Are you the new voice of AOL?" I asked, smiling.

Jesus laughed. "Hardly. The mail is from Sam and it is a complete translation of my mother's diary. Your laptop has not been damaged. It's safe in your room, but it will be a while before you can retrieve it. When you get home, you and Sam must find ways to distribute copies of my mother's writings, as well as your own experiences, to as many people as you can. Use every means available, especially the Internet. It was inspired for these special times, and again it is most important that you tell them I am coming soon! Convince them of the love my Father and I have for them."

In the blink of an eye, Jesus and Joshua were gone and the scene returned to normal, except there were now many emergency vehicles surrounding the hotel and clogging the street. Apparently the hotel had been evacuated, as I watched people mill about the sidewalk in front, some in hotel uniforms.

A police officer was heading in our direction. I wondered, had he noticed our disappearing act? Apparently not, as he acted completely normal.

"My name is Itzak Rubenstein," he said gently, extending his hand. "May I sit with you?"

"Of course," I replied.

Itzak began, "The fire fighters are working their way into the garage, and as soon as we know anything about your son, we will let you know immediately."

Although we already knew about Josh, Maggie and I nodded our thanks.

"I know it's hard at a time like this," Itzak continued, "but any information you are able to provide will be helpful. First I need to get your name and where you're staying. I assume across the street in the hotel?"

"Yes," I said, "we're in room 301." I gave him my name and answered all his questions as best as I could. Then I asked, "Will we be able to go back into the hotel soon?"

"We'll let you know as soon as that is possible, Mr. Madison," he replied. After a few more questions, Itzak left and walked to the firefighter on the scene who appeared to be in charge. After a brief discussion, Itzak returned and told us the fire department verified the damage was confined to the garage and it would be all right to go back to our room. I was grateful Itzak seemed to understand our need for privacy.

"If only he knew," I said to Maggie.

When we reached the lobby, we discovered the elevators were not operating. I figured the fire department had probably shut them down. "Just as well," I said to Maggie. "They may not be safe.

Maggie smiled wanly. "It's a wonder we can think after all that's happened."

It felt good to reach the quiet sanctuary of our room. Maggie gave Becky a new coloring book and crayons, and Becky scooted down on the floor by the coffee table getting right to work.

"I makin' a pitcher for my Bubba," she announced.

I encouraged her, then Maggie and I sank deep into the sofa.

"I have some explaining to do, Maggie. Actually, this whole amazing story began on the morning of my birthday and the only reason I didn't share it with you was I didn't think you'd believe it in a million years. It was just so incredible."

Starting with the vision in the mirror, I recounted the whole tale, up to this morning's events. It took a great load off my shoulders that finally I was able to share my experiences with someone.

Then, remembering what Jesus told me about mail, I scurried to the desk to get my laptop. Quickly, I plugged it into a phone line and carried it to the sofa. My hands trembled as I booted it up and clicked on the AOL icon. I waited impatiently until it finally connected.

"You've got mail!", the cheery voice announced.

"We already knew that," I said, laughing.

When I clicked on the "New Mail" icon, it opened instantly. I scrolled down the list of messages, mostly spam, then, bingo!--there was Sam's email:

"Joe, we need to talk the minute you get back. Or, call me from there if you can. The translation's attached. Hope to hear from you soon. Best regards, Sam."

I clicked to open the attachment. It seemed like an eternity to download, but finally the little blue bar indicated it was a hundred percent done. I clicked on "yes" to open the file.

Maggie put her hand on my arm. "Joe, I can't stand the suspense. Read it to me, okay?"

"That's exactly what I planned to do," I said. "No more secrets, ever again!"

I read aloud . . .








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