![]() Simeon's words called to her mind the prophetic utterances of Isaiah: “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. As she looked upon the child in her arms, and recalled the words spoken by the shepherds of Bethlehem, she was full of grateful joy and bright hope. Mary pondered the broad and far-reaching prophecy of Simeon. ![]() Christ in His word calling to self-sacrifice, in the poor and suffering who plead for relief, in the righteous cause that involves poverty and toil and reproach, is no more readily received today than He was eighteen hundred years ago. Men acknowledge Christ in history, while they turn away from the living Christ. Events upon which the attention of all heaven is centered are undiscerned, their very occurrence is unnoticed, by religious leaders, and worshipers in the house of God. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” DA 47.3 Read in context » And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. “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. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to David's throne. In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. To those who are seeking for light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God will shine. God declares, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” Isaiah 44:3 Psalm 112:4. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. ![]() They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. The whole world is brighter for His presence. With a deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawn to the earth. Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. It is still proclaimed in our ears that to us is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. We should be more delivered from errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. Mary carefully observed and thought upon all these things, which were so suited to enliven her holy affections. They were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this child, that he was the Saviour, even Christ the Lord. The shepherds lost no time, but came with haste to the place. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, That the good-will of God toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. God's good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to his praise. Let God have the honour of this work Glory to God in the highest. ![]() We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it. Angels were heralds of the new-born Saviour, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |