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Humble Hero
be born in David’s city. “Out of you [Bethlehem],” said the prophet,
“shall come forth ... the One to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth
[are] from of old, from everlasting.”
Micah 5:2
.
But in the city of this royal line, Joseph and Mary were unrec-
ognized, unhonored. Weary and homeless, they walked the narrow
street to the eastern edge of town in a fruitless search for a resting
[17]
place for the night. There was no room at the crowded inn. At last
they found refuge in a crude building where animals were kept, and
here the Redeemer of the world was born.
The news filled heaven with rejoicing. Holy beings from the
world of light were drawn to earth. Above the hills of Bethlehem a
crowd of angels waited for the signal to declare the glad news to the
world. The leaders in Israel could have shared the joy of announcing
the birth of Jesus, but they were passed by. The bright rays from
the throne of God will shine on those who seek light and accept it
gladly. See
Isaiah 44:3
;
Psalm 112:4
.
Only the Shepherds Cared
In the very fields where the boy David had led his flock, shep-
herds keeping watch by night talked together of the promised Savior
and prayed for His coming. And “an angel of the Lord stood before
them. ... Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For
there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is
Christ the Lord.’”
When they heard these words, dreams of glory filled the minds
of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come! They asso-
ciated power, exaltation, and triumph with His coming. But the
angel prepared them to recognize their Savior in poverty and humil-
iation: “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in
a manger.”
The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told
them how to find Jesus. He had given them time to become accus-
tomed to the divine radiance. Then the whole plain lit up with the
bright shining of the angels of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven
stooped to listen to the song—