Incarnation and Early Life of Christ
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are compelled to seek refuge in a coarse building which shelters the
dumb beasts.—
The Review and Herald, December 17, 1872
.
Before Christ’s Birth
In heaven it was understood that the time had come for the advent
of Christ to the world, and angels leave glory to witness His reception
by those He came to bless and save. They had witnessed His glory
in heaven, and they anticipate that He will be received with honor
in accordance with His character and the dignity of His mission. As
angels approach the earth, they first come to the people God had
separated from the nations of the world as His peculiar treasure. They
see no especial interest among the Jews, no eager waiting and watching
that they may be the first to receive the Redeemer, and acknowledge
His advent.—
The Review and Herald, December 17, 1872
.
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
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the divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the
same indifference....
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 messenger. And
suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring the good tidings of
great joy.—
The Great Controversy, 314
.
The angels passed by the school of the prophets, the palaces of
kings, and appeared to the humble shepherds, guarding their flocks
by night, upon Bethlehem’s plains. One angel first appeared, clothed
with the panoply of heaven; and so surprised and so terrified were the
shepherds that they could only gaze upon the wondrous glory of the
heavenly visitant with unutterable amazement. The angel of the Lord
came to them, and said, “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you tidings
of great joy, which shall be unto all people; for unto you is born this
day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this