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The Great Controversy
shelter for the night. No doors are open to receive them. In a wretched
hovel prepared for cattle, they at last find refuge, and there the Saviour
of the world is born.
Heavenly angels had seen the glory which the Son of God shared
with the Father before the world was, and they had looked forward
with intense interest to His appearing on earth as an event fraught
with the greatest joy to all people. Angels were appointed to carry
the glad tidings to those who were prepared to receive it and who
would joyfully make it known to the inhabitants of the earth. Christ
had stooped to take upon Himself man’s nature; He was to bear an
infinite weight of woe as He should make His soul an offering for
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sin; yet angels desired that even in His humiliation the Son of the
Highest might appear before men with a dignity and glory befitting
His character. Would the great men of earth assemble at Israel’s capital
to greet His coming? Would legions of angels present Him to the
expectant company?
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
the divine presence has been 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. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in
the schools of the rabbis, all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact
which has filled all heaven with joy and praise—that the Redeemer of
men is about to appear upon the earth.
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 is prepared to receive the heavenly
message. And suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring
the good tidings of great joy. Celestial glory floods all the plain, an
innumerable company of angels is revealed, and as if the joy were too