swiftest wing to bear the glad tidings of Messiah's birth to the world. Hitherto the preparations for the descent of Christ to earth corresponded in some measure with the dignity of His rank as the Son of God. But immediately afterwards His condescension and humility became not less conspicuous.

For no splendid preparations were made on earth for His reception, no magnificent apartments admitted Him, no persons of distinguished power or wealth came to pour out their congratulations at His Nativity. "He was born in a stable, and was laid in a manger."

The persons to whom this joyful event was first communicated were not kings, nor princes, nor nobles, nor learned scribes; but lowly shepherds of Bethlehem.

While these shepherds were watching their flocks by night, a sudden and astonishing vision appeared to them; an angel of the Lord was seen, and the "glory of the Lord encompassed all who were present." By the "glory of the Lord" is meant a bright, dazzling splendor, which asumed a variety of forms at different times. Sometimes it apeared like a blazing fire, as a burning bush to Moses. Sometimes it

presented itself in the form of a "pillar of fire," or a bright cloud, or like an immense conflagration, as it did on Mount Horeb and Sinai.

Sometimes it assumed a circular form, such as that which surrounded Paul while on his way to Damascus; "a brightness which, it is expressly said, surpassed the splendor of the sun at mid-day."

A light of such refulgent lustre suddenly encircling the shepherds of Bethlehem must have dazzled and terrified them.

Nor was it their eyes alone that were addressed on that occasion. A voice was heard soothing their troubled minds. "Fear not,

for lo, 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 by this ye shall know Him; ye shall find the babe in swaddling-bands, lying in a manger."

No sooner was this cheering message given, than a chorus of heavenly voices sang forth,"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Here we have an instance of celestial beings.

congratulating mankind on the birth of their Redeemer, and while ascribing glory to God, they express ardent wishes and hopes of peace and happiness to men, from the prospect of the beneficent plans which should speedily be unfolded.

The shepherds departed and went to Bethlehem as directed, and they found Joseph and Mary and the Child, as described by the angel. When they had seen all, they published what had been imparted to them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things told them by the shepherds.

But Mary let none of these things pass unobserved, but pondered them in her heart. But the publication of the shepherds was probably confined to a small circle.

It was, therefore, agreeable to the wisdom of God that other persons should be introduced, who might be the means of rousing the attention of the Jewish nation, and especially of persons of power and influence. Accordingly, we are informed that "a star appeared in the East," a luminous body having the appearance of a star, was seen by "wise men "-magis— and according to the divine intimation made to

the "

magians," went before them, until it stood over the house where the young Child was.

The wise men arrived at Jerusalem and made inquiry, saying, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him."

The object of the wise men's visit was remarkable, and it touched a subject which was deeply interesting to the whole Jewish nation. The King of Judea-Herod-was naturally filled with fear and jealousy. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were alarmed with the forboding apprehension of the terrible evils which might arise from the inflamed passions of a tyrant, who was restrained neither by justice nor humanity.

A great council was called, consisting of chief priests and scribes, and men of learning, and Herod demanded of them-" Where the Messiah should be born."

The reply was that the Messiah should be born at Bethlehem of Judea, and the prophecy of Micah was quoted-" And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least illustrious among the cities of Judah; for out of

thee shall come a ruler, who will govern my people of Israel." The wise men return to their own country, having seen the new-born King, and they take their place as among the first preachers of the new dispensation.

Herod was so alarmed that he sought for means to arrest the progress of the New Kingdom, and he issued a cruel edict to put to death all male children of two years and under, so as to include the new-born King; but he failed in his design.

He Who sits upon the circle of the earth overruled his secret plot, and thwarted his sinful purpose, and the Infant King was placed out of his reach.

What a message! "Unto you is born this day-a Saviour! " The world did not need an Adviser. The world did not ask for a "Reformer," a man who could change the outward relations of things.

The world "wanted a Saviour."

It is not an official title; it is not an image you could robe in scarlet, and bow down before on account of its mighty majesty, but a Saviour. "A Saviour is an angel with tears in