28
The Desire of Ages
together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the
King to David’s throne. “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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord.”
At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening
shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation,
triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare
them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. “This
shall be a sign unto you,” he says; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them
how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he
had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance.
[48]
Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain
was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was
hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,—
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Oh that today the human family could recognize that song! The
declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of
time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the Sun of Righteous-
ness shall arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed
by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying,
“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
Revelation 19:6
.
As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows
of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest
picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the
shepherds. “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from
them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which
the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and
found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”