resplendentnight

THE RESPLENDENT NIGHT

Under the canopy of the silent, jeweled stars, caring men protected their flocks. Shepherds,
they were called---humble men with a menial task. Responsive to the night’s crisp elements,
they wrapped their robes about them. The embers from the once energetic fire, now quietly
waned.

The night was as routine as any other, except that God’s illuminating curtain would soon be
drawn. It was a curtain which would enable them to see and realize that the anticipation of
the ages had been consummated before the night was brought to its terminus. This night
would become a light! A fulfillment! A long awaited hope and victory for all people---a
peace and love that would hemorrhage down from the Eternal Throne!!!

The shepherd’s occupation was devoid of high honor. In fact, in some areas, it was charged
with distain! The events of this night, however; would change this status forever. The stories
of their ventures would echo down the corridors of history, photographing them for
posterity to ponder. Honored by God to be the first to hear the angels transported message,
they were also privileged to first see the Christ Child.

With stimulated hearts, they hurried to find the Saviour of the world. Their emotions ran
the gamut from cringing fear to worship. Inconvenience was not a factor, as they left all---
sheep, watch dogs, potential dangers to find Him of whom the prophets had spoken. Time
lost significance. Their hearts had been strangely warmed. They were ready to leave all and
follow Him!

Their appointed trek led them across the fields to the insignificant town of Bethlehem. This
sleepy little village was over shadowed by the powerful spiritual city of Jerusalem on the
north. All yearly pilgrimages led to this colossal city of renown, which was surrounded by
imposing, stalwart mountains. It was the underlying dream of all good Hebrews to visit this
sun-kissed city on the summit. Surely, the King of the ages would be born there. Later, the
Wise Men in their search for the Christ Child believed this to be true. They followed the
logic of their minds. What could possibly come out of Bethlehem? They were unaware of
the prophecy of Micah, 5:2, which proclaimed the birth of the King in tiny Bethlehem!

As they entered the stable, they found shadowed there, the most magnificent scene of all!
Figures radiating a heavenly aura! A mysterious peace! Eloquence in Simplicity.
Resplendent Riches Obliterating Poverty! A Great Light dispelling darkness---such were the
paradoxes of this scene. It was a Light Transcending Night---The Night of Sin! Sin cannot
stand before Truth---it will always be inferior!

Mingled in this environ, were animals, domesticated, peaceful, undisturbed with what they
had shared with strangers. How amazingly beautiful that the spirit of this ethereal scene was
also communicated to earthly creatures.

Awe-stricken, the shepherds knelt in Holy Reverence before this majestic scene. Filled with
Peace, a solemnity of which no man could bestow, they offered Him all they had---their
hearts---the most beautiful gift of all! Today, men still seek the Christ to give Him their
hearts, and to all who accept Him, He fills them with incorruptible wealth.

Maxine Tolbert Trigleth