As he glanced at the big clock on his office wall, old Gabriel saw that he only had 17 minutes before he could call another uneventful Christmas Eve over and done with.

His heart skipped a beat as the intercom button on his desk phone flashed. Nervous but ready, he slowly lifted the receiver to his ear.

Hesitantly he spoke into the phone, "Yes sir?"

"Gabe, please come up to my office for a moment."

As his heart skipped another beat he managed to utter, "On my way, sir."

Various thoughts raced through his tired brain, but the main one surfacing was confirmed. The person on the other end was Him.

As he walked slowly toward the door, he placed his wrinkled hand on the knob and rotated it. The phone rang again. Gabriel turned around, walked back and once again lifted the receiver to his ear.

"Yes sir?"

"Why don't you bring the horn with you."

His voice this time seemed tired and listless. Thinking this could be it, a big lump formed in Gabriel's throat as he thought ... "This was it for sure."

With drooping shoulders and heavy feet, Gabriel shuffled over to the alabaster cabinet occupying prime space in his office. With a slight reluctance he reached for a gold key that had hung from his waist since time began.

Inserting the key for the first time, he heard a resonant click that echoed back to his ears.

Pulling on the ornate doors, he reached in to retrieve The Horn. Eons of time had caused it to exhibit a slight tarnish to the gold patina. An angel appeared, touched it with one of his wings, and instantly it was pristine once again.

Gabriel tucked The Horn under his arm, walked slowly down the long hall to the gold staircase that lead up to His office.

As he approached the door, it opened automatically for him allowing entrance.

God was at his desk facing away from Gabriel, gazing out his mammoth window on the world.

Never before had Gabriel seen a sight such as this. All creation in one panoramic view.

God, still looking out the window on His world, asked Gabriel to come closer.

Gabriel heard God draw a long labored breath and as He spoke. It brought tears to Gabriel's eyes. This is it he thought as his fingers nervously worked the valves on The Horn.

"Just look down there Gabriel," said God. "It is so hard to look at my world and my people and experience joy in my heart, even though this is the season to feel true happiness. It does not seem like a happy place to be."

"No sir, it does not."

"My people are fighting and killing each other. Abortions are rampant with no thought to life itself that I create. Neighbors against neighbors. Drugs have transformed my world into something that is even hard for me to recognize. And this Obama administration is even making things worse."

Gabriel knew God did not summon him to ask his advice about anything in His world, but just to blow the prophetic horn.

As God's sadness penetrated Gabriel's soul, he just had to say something positive, despite the potential consequences.

"Surely there are some encouraging scenes down there," spoke Gabriel with much difficulty.

God swiveled around in his chair and looked up at Gabriel. Brilliant, neon-colored flashes of laser lights danced around in His eyes.

"Well, let us take a second look, Gabriel," said God as He spun around to look at His world as it tried to celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus.

"Look down there at Dyer County, Gabriel. See those workers from the Kiwanis Club, Union Mission and Salvation Army distributing food and clothing to the needy? Look at that young married couple dreaming about their future.

"And over there I see my senior citizens reflecting and rejoicing over things I have provided for them over their years.

"Wow, notice those school teachers working hard to instill in each of their students respect for their neighbors and to love Me and my son, Jesus.

"My church is filled with worshippers honoring the Christ child. Hear those songs of praise from the many choirs, Gabriel?

"Yes, there are encouraging scenes happening. But, it seems only to happen at Christmas. Why can't every day be like Christmas, Gabriel?"

"They live in a sinful world, God, and most try to live without You."

"Sad, but true," replied God with a heavy heart.

At this point Gabriel thought maybe he had overstepped his bounds and once again fingered the valves and wet his lips ready to blow The Horn.

"When would you like me to play, Sir?" Gabriel reluctantly asked.

AS God sighed ever so deeply, it was a sigh of calmness filled with love as he said, "I am not quite sure about that yet."

A gently smile slowly spread across His face.

"Well, I suppose I can give them another year and maybe they will learn to read and obey My Words."

A sigh of relief flooded Gabriel's soul and he smiled with great joy. But, he knew one day he would be called upon to blow The Horn, but not today.

He turned and proceeded toward the door.

He heard God stand up from his chair. As Gabriel turned around, he noticed God was in deep thought.

"Gabriel, I realize it is not in your job description, but since you are already here, would you mind playing a song for me?"

Licking his lips, Gabriel replied with anticipation, "It would be my honor, Sir. What would you like to hear?"

With a tear in His eye, God said, "Away in a Manager."