“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.
The ominous tone of Herod’s final request, as to the time which the star first appeared, was unsettling. It had reignited the air of urgency that had inspired their mission from the moment it first appeared those many months before.
Unwilling to waste even another day, the caravan departed Jerusalem at dusk.
The new moon had begun it’s tenth cycle from the time the “Star ” first appeared low in the Persian sky.
A sliver of the waxing moon bathed the surrounding countryside in a pale glow as the Magi’s caravan set out from Jerusalem. The dark walls, silhouetted on the rolling hills, receded quickly out of sight as they turned their faces to Bethlehem. To the Magi’s amazement and delight, the “Star”, whose sudden appearance had inspired their pilgrimage, reappeared! The 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 brilliant light drawing them, as moths to the flame, irresistibly towards Bethlehem.
At that very moment ….
“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 reassured them saying;
“Fear not!”
The angels were messengers from the throne of God. Their message was haunting;
“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 into the night sky enveloping the hills to hover 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.
