A Dramatic Monologue

An elderly shepherd, one of the original group who heard the angelic announcement that first Christmas Eve, speaks to his son, also a shepherd, outside the cave where Jesus was born:

"My son, here in this humble stable is his birthplace. I remember the night as if it were yesterday - though it is now 50, nay, 51 years ago! I have come here each year at this time. Something draws me here. Had you seen and heard what I did, you, too, would be drawn here. Look! Others have come now. Every year there are a few more. They come in spite of the fact that it is dangerous to be here. If I had the gift of a prophet I would say that, someday, hundreds, nay thousands, will come to this place!"

The son speaks: "But, my father, you know that Nero has determined to rid the world o…