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 like gorgeous clouds in the air and are ever changing their shape and place.  They are growths of the imagination and lack historic roots and reality.  They are chary of names and dates and hide their origin in far-away mists.  However powerfully and pathetically they may reflect the needs and hopes of the human heart, they are unsubstantial as dreams and afford no foundation on which to build our faith.  Heathen religions are generally woven of this legendary stuff.  The Greek and Roman divinities were all mythical.  But the scientific spirit has swept these imaginary deities out of our sky and rendered belief in them impossible.  Our religion must be rooted in reality and cannot live in clouds, however beautifully they may be colored.  We refuse hospitality to anything but fact.  Give us names and dates, is our demand.