As CENTURIES rolled on and the generation appeared who were to witness the advent of the promised Messiah, there were devout men and women watching and waiting for "the consolation of Israel." Luke 2:25. And when the time was at last fulfilled, and the Creator of worlds appeared in human form, shepherds in the night watches on the silent hills of Judea heard heavenly music such as never had greeted mortal ears before, a chorus of angels, "praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men." Luke 2:14. The shepherds came in haste to the city of David, and found there the sinless Babe of Bethlehem lying in a manger, "because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7. Think of this, you who dwell in homes of affluence and ease. The Lord of worlds on high came to save a ruined race from eternal death, and there was no room for him. And this was the key-note of our Lord's life on earth. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:11.
How many hearts are to-day like the inn of Bethlehem,—there is no room in them for the Christ! But, thank God, there are hearts who welcome the divine Guest. There came wise men from the far east, directed by a guiding star, and when they saw the young child, they fell down and worshiped him, and presented him with royal gifts, "gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matt. 2:11.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. . . . And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men.” Luke 2:8-14.
And after eight days, the devout Simeon, unto whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he should not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ, came by the Spirit into the temple, and when he saw the infant Jesus, he took him in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace; . . . for mine eyes have seen thy salvation; . . . a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:29-32. By the Holy Spirit, Simeon saw in this helpless babe the long-promised "Seed of the woman," he who should redeem Israel, and in whom all nations of the earth should be blessed, and looking forward, as the Spirit gave him utterance, he prophesied, "This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against." Luke 2:34.
And thus the Christ child came to earth. The Lord himself was made flesh and dwelt among us. Let us in coming years contemplate the only one perfect character this world has ever witnessed, and drink in of his life.
And may the Lord grant us a meek and lowly heart, and through the blessed influence of the Holy Spirit, guide us into all truth.
"Calm, on the listening ear of night,
Come heaven's melodious strains,
Where wild Judea stretches far
Her silver-mantled plains."
