In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to David's throne. “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.” (DA 47.3)
At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. “This shall be a sign unto you,” he says; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (DA 47.4)
The
heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to
find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had
given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the
joy and glory could no longer be hidden. 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,— (DA 47.5)
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will toward men.” (DA 48.1)
Oh
that today 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. When the Sun of Righteousness shall
arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the
voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying,
“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6. (DA 48.2)
As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (DA 48.3)
Departing with great joy, they made known the things they had seen and heard. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God.” (DA 48.4)
Heaven
and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the
angels’ song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's
solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at
noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and
the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near.
Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and
go at God's command. (DA 48.5)
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, Chpt. 4, 47.3-48.5
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