es, enslavement in Egypt,
wanderings in, the wilderness, establishment and growth in the promised
land, internal division and external captivity in Babylon, restoration,
and final subjection to the Romans, this hope burned on the horizon of
their future as a fixed star. It was this that ever led them on and held
them together and made it impossible to break or subdue their spirit.
This was the dawn that filled all their dark and bitter days with the
rosy glow of hope.

Yet the Messiah came not, and as the centuries slowly rolled along they
must have grown weary and at times have doubted. Sceptics scoffed,
"Where is the sign of his coming?" But the great heart of the nation
remained true to its trust, while prophets caught glimpses of the coming
glory and white-headed, trembling old saints prayed that they might live
a little longer and not die before he came. Perhaps this hope was never
at a lower ebb than when the Roman power was ruthlessly grinding the
nation down into the dust. But suddenly at this darkest hour a blinding
light burnt through the floor of heaven and shepherds ran about
announcing that the Messiah was born! Who can imagine the surprise, the
wonder, the overwhelming amazement this news created? How many were
eager to go to Bethlehem and see this thing which had come to pass! And
when it was found to be true, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy and
old men blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servants
depart in peace."

Yet why should they have wondered at God's faithfulness in keeping his
promise, as though he could ever have forgotten it or failed to bring it
to pass? Why should we ever wonder at the faithfulness of God? Doubtless
in some degree because of our human infirmity. Our sense of unity with
God and trust in him have been weakened by sin until we are ready to
doubt him as though he were one of ourselves. His promises also are so
far-reaching and great, splendid and blessed, they so far surpass our
thoughts of wisdom and mercy, that, even though they have been repeated
to us until we are familiar with them, when they are fulfilled we wonder
at the faithfulness that will bring so great things to pass.

IV. An Historical Event

The story starts with the place and time of the Saviour's birth. Jesus
was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king. There are
many myths and legends floating through the world that are often
beautiful and useful, but they hang