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Chapter 2
9. Strengthened to Endure Greater Light
—[
Luke 2:8, 9
quoted.] ... Suddenly the heavens are lighted up with a bright-
ness which alarms the shepherds. They know not the reason of this
grand display. They do not at first discern the myriads of angels
that are congregated in the heavens. The brightness and glory from
the heavenly host illuminate and glorify the entire plain. While the
shepherds are terrified at the glory of God, the leading angel of the
throng quiets their fears by revealing himself to them, saying, “Fear
not....”
As their fears are dispelled, joy takes the place of astonishment
and terror. They could not, at first, bear the radiance of glory, which
attended the whole heavenly host, to break upon them suddenly.
One angel only appears to the gaze of the watching shepherds to
dissipate their fears, and make known their mission. As the light
of the angel encircles them, the glory rests upon them, and they
are strengthened to endure the greater light and glory attending the
myriads of heavenly angels (
The Spirit of Prophecy 2:17, 18
).
[1116]
13, 14, 29-32. Satan Filled With Frenzy
—The heavenly her-
alds aroused all the wrath of the synagogue of Satan. He followed
the steps of those who had charge of the infant Jesus. He heard
the prophecy of Simeon in the temple courts, who had long been
waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Ghost was upon him
and he came by the Spirit into the temple. Taking the infant Saviour
in his arms, he blessed God, and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have
seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all
people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people
Israel.” Satan was filled with frenzy as he saw that the aged Simeon
recognized the divinity of Christ (
The Review and Herald, October
29, 1895
).
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