First Advent of Christ
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Pharisees continue to repeat their long, meaningless prayers in the
streets, to be heard of men, in order to obtain the reation of great piety
and devotion.
The angels from Heaven behold with astonishment the indifference
of the people, and their ignorance in regard to the advent of the Prince
of Life. The proud Pharisees, claiming to be God’s chosen people,
in their hypocritical devotions, are proclaiming the law, and exalting
traditions, while men of other nations are dealing in fables, and are
worshiping false gods. All alike were ignorant of the great event which
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prophecy had foretold would transpire.
Angels behold the weary travelers, Joseph and Mary, making their
way to the city of David to be taxed, according to the decree of Caesar
Augustus. Here, in the providence of God, Joseph and Mary had been
brought; for this was the place prophecy had predicted that Christ
should be born. They seek a place of rest at the inn, but are turned
away because there is no room. The wealthy and honorable have been
welcomed, and find refreshment and room, while these weary travelers
are compelled to seek refuge in a coarse building which shelters the
dumb beasts.
Here the Saviour of the world is born. The Majesty of Glory, who
filled all Heaven with admiration and splendor, is humiliated to a bed
in a manger. In Heaven, he was surrounded by holy angels; but now
his companions are the beasts of the stall. What humiliation is this!
Wonder, O Heavens! and be astonished, O earth!
As there are none among the sons of men to herald the advent of
the Messiah, angels must now do that work which it was the honored
privilege of men to do. But the angels, with the glad tidings of the
birth of the Saviour, are sent to the humble shepherds, and not to the
learned Jews, who profess to be the expounders of prophecy; for they
have no heart to receive it.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo! the angel of the
Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about
them, and they were sore afraid.” Humble shepherds, who are guarding
their flocks by night, are the ones who joyfully receive their testimony.
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Suddenly the heavens are lighted up with a brightness 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