God’s people in this time,,,

The experience of Nehemiah is repeated in the history of God’s people in this time. Those who labor in the cause of truth will find that they cannot do this without exciting the anger of its enemies. Though they have been called of God to the work in which they are engaged, and their course is approved of Him, they cannot escape reproach and derision.
                                                     

They will be denounced as visionary, unreliable, scheming, hypocritical, anything, in short, that will suit the purpose of their enemies. The most sacred things will be represented in a ridiculous light to amuse the ungodly. A very small amount of sarcasm and low wit, united with envy, jealousy, impiety, and hatred, is sufficient to excite the mirth of the profane scoffer. 

And these presumptuous jesters sharpen one another`s ingenuity, and embolden each other in their blasphemous work. Contempt and derision are indeed painful to human nature; but they must be endured by all who are true to God. It is the policy of Satan thus to turn souls from doing the work which the Lord has laid upon them.
Ellen G White The Southern Watchman, April 12, 1904. {Chs 173.3}

BEGINNINGS.....!!!!!!

The promise that Jesus would come as our Savior had been made in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard it, they expected a quick fulfillment. So when they held their firstborn son in their arms, they both hoped he would be the Redeemer. But that was not to be.

Thousands of years later, as God’s appointed time came, Jesus left heaven to be born in Bethlehem.In becoming human, Jesus demonstrated ultimate humility. On earth His physical surroundings were primitive. Hehind His glory from those who saw Him and shunned all outward display.
                                             

The angels marveled at such a plan of redemption and watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son.The Roman decree to register everyone in the vast empire extended to the humble people living in the hills of Galilee.Angels watched over Joseph and Mary as they journeyed from their home in Nazareth south to Bethlehem.

When the two arrived in Bethlehem, weary and homeless, they walked the length of the main street, from the gate of the city to the eastern end of the town, seeking a place to spend the night. But there was no room for them anywhere! Finally, in a crude animal shelter, they found a place to lie down, and Mary gave birth to her son, the Redeemer of the world.

Above the hills of Bethlehem an immense throng of angels had gathered for this moment, and at His birth they began to sing this great news to the world. Unfortunately, the religious leadership in Israel, ignoring their destiny, did not share in the celebration.