Merri held on to my sleeve as if afraid she'd lose me, and Grandma slumped between us. "Ari, maybe they won't be able to get us into"--her voice fading--"into the field if it stays dark."

"Maybe." My heart banged against my ribs, and rushing blood warmed my long, stiff limbs. "Merri, Jesus is coming." A question, a statement--both.

"We've never stopped waiting," she whispered . . .

A voice, eager and triumphant. They come! They come! They have kept the word of My patience, and they shall walk among the angels.

Then, at last, I understood. A ray of light poured over Grandma's strong, beautiful, young face. Her eyes were clear, she stood straight, looking at us, seeing us for the first time since we'd met. "Oh, children, He's coming."

The sky exploded, and glory spilled toward us, bathing us in warmth and energy. The icy fear thawed inside of me. I let the light kiss my face. It caressed me, whispered of our Brother's love. I don't know how long I stood there. When the clouds again veiled the light I felt peacefulness about me like Christ's own robe about my shoulders.

"O Lord, we've waited for You," Grandma whispered. "Thank You, thank You, for coming to save us."

In The Appearing Penny Estes Wheeler tells the story of Garrett, Amy, and Arianne, who looked for the return of Jesus, and of Sparn, whose consuming passion was to destroy the Way.

This audio book is read by Cameron Beierle.

Penny Estes Wheeler is the editor of Women of Spirit and author of eight books, including best-selling The Appearing. She speaks frequently at women's retreats and loves traveling to faraway places. She and her husband of 35 years have four adult children. Recently she organized a neighborhood book reading club.