“Bethlehem Night“
If ye seek ye will find, God’s promises
are true.
Press on, in faith believing;
This promise is for you!
The Magi sensed their mission was nearly over.
Herod’s final request, as to the time which the star first appeared, had created an air of urgency:
Unwilling to waste even another day, the caravan departed Jerusalem at dusk.
On this very evening, the new moon completed its ninth cycle, from the stars first appearance low in the Persian sky.
To the Magi’s amazement and delight; the “star”, whose sudden appearance had inspired their pilgrimage, reappeared!
Such a star! To see it again swelled their hearts with hope!
They “rejoiced with exceeding great joy!”
It seemed close enough to touch.
With the purpose of their mission burning in their breast, they pressed quickly on, the “star” drawing them irresistibly towards Bethlehem.
As the Magi marveled at the reappearance of the guiding “star,”
“A multitude of the heavenly host…”
…filled the sky with a radiant light; startling shepherds, tending their flocks in the rugged hills near Bethlehem:
“The glory of the Lord shone round about…”
They “…were sore afraid!” But the angel host said….”Fear not!”
The angels were messengers from the throne of God.
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”, ‘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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you;”
“Ye shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’”
As suddenly as they had come, the angels were gone. The brilliant light receded, but appeared over the nearby village of Bethlehem.
Mesmerized by the message, with spirits warmed by wonder, the shepherds hastened to Bethlehem.
They determined to see the new born baby, heralded by the appearance of the angel’s.
