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Born in a Stable
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whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.”
Micah 5:2
, margin.
But in the city of this royal line, Joseph and Mary were unrecog-
nized, unhonored. Weary and homeless, they traversed the narrow
street to the eastern extremity of town, vainly seeking a resting place
for the night. There was no room at the crowded inn. In a rude
building where beasts were sheltered, they at last found refuge, and
here the Redeemer was born.
The tidings filled heaven with rejoicing. Holy beings from the
world of light were drawn to earth. Above the hills of Bethlehem
a throng of angels waited the signal to declare the glad news to the
world. The leaders in Israel might have shared the joy of heralding
the birth of Jesus. But they were passed by. To those who seek light
and accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God
will shine. See
Isaiah 44:3
;
Psalm 112:4
.
Only the Shepherds Cared
In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds
keeping watch by night talked together of the promised Saviour and
prayed for His coming. And an “angel of the Lord came upon them...
. 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 filled the minds of the listening
shepherds. The Deliverer has come! Power, exaltation, triumph,
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are associated with His coming. But the angel prepared them to
recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation: “Ye shall find a
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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 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,
on earth peace, good will toward men.