Thomas was up and about again, almost his old self.
'What are we going to do today, Grandpa?' he asked.
'Not much' broke in Grandma. I don't want you dashing around just yet'.
'I thought you might like to see Stephen's rabbits' Grandpa suggested 'His parents have been very worried about you, and have invited you over as soon as you feel better. Would you like to do that?'
Before Thomas could answer, Bethan hastily asked. 'Can I come too?'
'Of course' Grandpa said. 'The rabbits belong partly to Sharon, too, and she is expecting you to come with Thomas.' They both looked at Thomas.
'Yes, I would love to see the rabbits' he said.
'Will Ruth and William be there too?' asked Bethan.
'I expect so, the cousins are generally together' Grandpa said. 'But no more Zacchaeus games for the six of you!'
'No, we promise' Thomas and Bethan said laughing.
So Grandpa took them to their friends' house where they had a wonderful time gathering leaves for the rabbits to eat and watching them playing on the lawn.
'Wouldn't you like a rabbit, Grandpa?' Bethan asked when they returned home.
Grandpa laughed at her. 'First it was pigeons, now it's rabbits. I think you want me to start a Zoo!!'
'Then tell us the Rabbit story to make up for it' Bethan demanded as she put her arms around him.
Grandpa chuckled as he looked at her 'Well I suppose a Rabbit story is easier than looking after one. I'll see what I can do'.
After supper the children sat on the rug patiently waiting for Grandpa. At last he came and smiled at them as he said 'Tonight we have the honour of listening to Mr. Rabbit's story - and this is it.'

'Where IS Rabbit?' asked Mr. Cat. 'He was supposed to be here five minutes ago' and he flicked his tail impatiently.
'Oh, five minutes isn't long to wait' answered Hedgehog.
Mr. Cat was just about to reply when through the door hurried Rabbit in such a flurry.
'Oh, my' he exclaimed. 'The traffic gets worse. Horses, horses everywhere. I almost lost my tail!' and he gazed with concern at the white fluffy pom-pom of a tail which was the pride of his life.
A few of the animals tutted sympathetically, whilst Donkey asked gently if rabbit was well enough to tell his story, or would he rather rest for a while?
'No, no, I'm fine' Rabbit assured them, well aware that certain of his friends were not known for their patience! So he found a warm place, settled himself comfortably, and began.
'I was born in a very cosy warren on the Mount of Olives. We were a very happy family. I had lots of brothers and sisters and cousins to play with and we ran all over the mountain playing hide-and-seek and lots of other games. One day, when we were out of breath with running and jumping so much we thought we would rest for a while, and it was then we saw a group of men coming up the mountain. They stood a little way from us, but I could see that it was Jesus and His disciples. They talked for a long time, and so we began to play again. Suddenly my brother stopped and said "Look" and I could scarcely believe my eyes when I turned around.'
'Another amazing happening' thought the animals as they waited for Rabbit to continue.
Rabbit had paused, and was gazing dreamily into space. The animals waited, until Mr. Cat eventually gave a rather noisy cough.
With a start, Rabbit came out of his day-dreaming. He smiled at them and said 'I saw Jesus rise into the air, and He was lifted far up into the clouds.'
There was a gasp in the stable. It seemed that the more they learned of Jesus, the more wonderful and amazing He became.
'How I wish we had been there' said one of the Pigeons.
'We, too' cooed the Doves.
'It is something we all would have liked to see' said Owl, 'But we have each had our moment of wonder, joy or sorrow, which is more than many others have had.'
'Wisely spoken, Owl' said Donkey. 'And we do have each other's stories to listen to.'
'Is that the end of your story, Rabbit?' asked Squirrel rather sadly.
'No' replied Rabbit. 'As we watched, two men in white robes suddenly appeared, and spoke to the disciples.'
'I hope you were near enough to hear' a little Mouse joined in. He had been holding his breath in amazement.
'I would have run up to them' said Mr. Dog.
'That is exactly what we did' Rabbit told him. 'So I heard the Angels quite clearly. They asked the disciples why they were staring at the sky. "Don't you understand?" they asked. "Jesus has gone away into Heaven."
Rabbit stopped and looked at the other animals 'And one day' …….. 'Listen carefully' Rabbit said. 'This is so important.' Again he paused, then, taking a deep breath said 'The Angels told the disciples that Jesus is going to come again Just as He went!!!'

The animals were astounded and excited. What wonderful news!
'Are you quite sure you heard correctly?' asked a rather disbelieving Crow. 'You are rather woolly-minded you know!' He didn't have a very high opinion of rabbits.
'Yes, it's quite right' joined in Rabbit's brother who had quietly joined them. 'I heard the Angels too.' The animals were convinced. They knew how wonderful their Master was, and they beamed at one another with pleasure. All sadness had now gone, instead their hearts were filled with Joy knowing their Master was alive and would one day return.
Then a happy chatter broke out as they told each other how delighted they were.
'What an amazing story to end our story-times' commented Donkey.
'Yes, but we can tell them over and over again' Mr. Dog said hurriedly.
'We certainly can' agreed Donkey. 'And there will be others.'
Yes, there would be others, the animals agreed as they looked forward to further stories in the future. So many, many more.
Suddenly - 'Let's tell everyone that Jesus is coming again' said one of the Sparrows, and before anyone could speak, with a great whoosh! of their wings, off they flew.
Ha ha! The Stable almost shook with the animals' laughter.
When it quietened down, Donkey said 'Oh! those Sparrows are so funny, but you know - they are right! We must all tell everyone the great news that -

E.Aynsley ©

Acts CH.9 Vs.9 to 11