that they might be among the first to welcome the world ' s Redeemer . But , lo , at Bethlehem two weary travellers from the hills of Nazareth traverse the whole length of the narrow street to the eastern extremity of the town , vainly seeking a place of rest and shelter for the night . No doors are open to receive them . In a wretched hovel prepared for cattle , they at last find refuge , and there the Saviour of the world is born .
Heavenly angels had seen the glory which the Son of God shared with the Father before the world was , and they had looked forward with intense interest to His appearing on earth as an event fraught with the greatest joy to all people . Angels were appointed to carry the glad tidings to those who were prepared to receive it and who would joyfully make it known to the inhabitants of the earth . Christ had stooped to take upon Himself man ' s nature ; He was to bear an infinite weight of woe as He should make His soul an offering for sin ; yet angels desired that even in His humiliation the Son of the Highest might appear before men with a dignity and glory befitting His character . Would the great men of earth assemble at Israel ' s capital to greet His coming ? Would legions of angels present Him to the expectant company ?
An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus . But he can discern no tokens of expectancy . He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah ' s coming is at hand . The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the divine presence has been manifested for ages ; but even here is the same indifference . The priests , in their pomp and pride , are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple . The Pharisees are with loud voices addressing the people or making boastful prayers at the corners of the streets . In the palaces of kings , in the assemblies of philosophers , in the schools of the rabbis , all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all heaven with joy and praise--that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth .
There is no evidence that Christ is expected , and no preparation for the Prince of life . In amazement the celestial messenger is about to return to heaven with the shameful tidings , when he discovers a group of shepherds who are watching their flocks by night , and , as they gaze into the starry heavens , are contemplating the prophecy of a Messiah to come to earth , and longing for the advent of the world ' s Redeemer . Here is a company that is prepared to receive the heavenly message . And suddenly the angel of the Lord appears , declaring the good tidings of great joy . Celestial glory floods all the plain , an innumerable company of angels is revealed , and as if the joy were too great for one messenger to bring from heaven , a multitude of voices break forth in the anthem which all the nations of the saved shall one day sing : " Glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace , good will toward men ." Luke 2:14 .
Oh , what a lesson is this wonderful story of Bethlehem ! How it rebukes our unbelief , our pride and self-sufficiency . How it warns us to beware , lest by our criminal indifference we also fail
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