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BETHLEHEM

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jul 20, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 29.

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BETHLEHEM

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2. As the birth-place of this wonderful Ruler of Israel, the town of Bethlehem attained an undying fame, which links it with the most beautiful themes of contemplation. It is situated on an eminence about six miles south of Jerusalem, “covering the ridge of a hill on the southern side of a deep and extensive valley, and reaching from east to west.” It was the birthplace of David, from which fact it derived the title “city of David.”
Over these hills shone the mysterious star which guided the wise men from the East, to the birthplace of the infant Jesus. Here also reclined the watching shepherds keeping their flocks by night, when suddenly “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” “The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God,” and the hills echoed the sound of the most wonderful anthem to which men ever listened, rendered by voices which sing praises before the throne 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.”
“O that to-day 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.”—“Desire of Ages,” pages 47, 48.
“The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden ‘the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.’ We marvel at the Saviour’s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in his presence. Yet this was but the beginning of his wonderful condescension.”—Id., page 48.