Unto You a Saviour
27
the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless
prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in
their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the
revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of
Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy
that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen.
To these heaven’s embassy was sent.
Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home
in Nazareth to the city of David. The decree of imperial Rome for the
enrollment of the peoples of her vast dominion has extended to the
dwellers among the hills of Galilee. As in old time Cyrus was called
to the throne of the world’s empire that he might set free the captives
of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment
of God’s purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is
of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in David’s
city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, “shall He come forth ... that
is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
the days of eternity.”
Micah 5:2
, margin. But in the city of their royal
line, Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and unhonored. Weary and
homeless, they traverse the entire length of the narrow street, from the
gate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a
resting place for the night. There is no room for them at the crowded
inn. In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered, they at last find
refuge, and here the Redeemer of the world is born.
[45]
[46]
[47]
Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. With a
deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light
are drawn to the earth. The whole world is brighter for His presence.
Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of
angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had
the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the
joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by.
God declares, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and
floods upon the dry ground.” “Unto the upright there ariseth light in
the darkness.”
Isaiah 44:3
;
Psalm 112:4
. To those who are seeking for
light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne
of God will shine.
In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were
still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked