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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
temple where the divine presence was 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. 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 can be trusted with the heavenly message.
And suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared, declaring the good
tidings of great joy. Celestial glory flooded all the plain, an innu-
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merable company of angels were revealed, and as if the joy were
too great for one messenger to bring from Heaven, a multitude of
voices broke 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.”
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 to discern the
signs of the times, and therefore know not the day of our visitation. It
is “unto them that look for him” that Christ is to “appear the second
time without sin unto salvation.” [
Hebrews 9:28
.]
Jesus sends his people a message of warning to prepare them for
his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing work
in the great plan of man’s redemption. He beheld an angel flying “in
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto
them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come; and worship
him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters.” [
Revelation 14:6, 7
.]
The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message,
symbolizes a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings
of God’s Spirit and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning
to the inhabitants of earth. This message was not to be committed