Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1893-01-05
Christian EndeavOr.
Topic for the Week beginning Dec. 2.
Comment by Rev. s. II. Dovle.

Topic for the Week beginning Dec. 25.
Comment by Rev. S. II. Doyle.
ToPIc.-what gifts shall we bring to them?
Math. ii. Ill; Heb xiii. Is, lG.
1t Is of course unnecessary that God
should carry on his work by the agency
of men. He could send angels from
heaven to preach his Gospel. as he sent
them to Lot and afterward 10 Cornelius.
But this is not his plan. He could have
made all men equally rich and giving
unnecessary, but for wise reasons no
doubt did not do SO. He has made a
great gift to man. Hewants MS to make
gifts through his Son, and also to give
literally and freely to all in need about
us. This Christmas week is a very aIe
propriate time for us TO ask ourselves,
What gifts shall we bring to him-that
IS. to Christ:
1. We should give the best of what we
have (Math. ii, LID. In this reference
we see the wise men Of the east coming
TO do homage to the newborn heavenly
king. Following the custom of eastern
countries upon such occasions, they bring
rich gifts to him and such as must have
been their best gifts They brought gold,
offered chiefly to kings and gods; frank
incense, transparent gum of bitter
taste and fragrant odor, used in sacri-
fees and temple worship: myrrh. an aro-
matte gum, used for several purposes.
but especially as an ingredient of
precious ointment These gifts We're
very costly. They were the best possible
gifts. Christ wants our best gifts. and
will be satisfied with no other God had
a blessing for Ahel's gift, because it was
the best Of his focls and herds. but with
Gains he showed no favor. because il
was not the best In al the Jewish sac
ritices the best part Of the Offering WAS
given to God. II is a mistake 10 think
we can bring to God our poorest gifts
and receive his blessing Christ wants
the best love of our hearts, the best
thoughts of our brains. the best words {
our tongues, the best labor of our hands
He wants these to be given cheerfnlll
and literally. Remember, too, in Civ.
ing to the poor and needy we also give
to the Master, for he has said. .Inas.
much as We did it unto one of the least
of these. my brethren, We did it unto
me-" Out of what God has given M.
then, let us give bonntifully and without
grudging, gi5e TO his cause at home and
abroad, give to his poor and needy, give
the best gifts
2. The praise of our voices and aims
deeds of our lives Heb xiii. Is, 49,.
Here the apostle urges us (al to offer
the sacrifice Of praise to God contiil-
ually' This includes alteration and
prayer as well as songs of praise, and is
to be rendered 10 Christ as well as God,
as the angels taught Us in the songs tue
first Christmas morning, and (b) ITO do
good and 10 communicate forget not,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased. .
We are not to content ourselves with
mere lip service but must communicate
to the needs Of the souls aud bodies Of
men. and must offer our Christian char
ity as a sacrifice upon his altar.
Bible References-Ge iv. 81; xviii,
eO-22; Deut. Ky, 1921; / Chron. xxx.
Q; Ps Xxi. 10: elk, 4; Isa X. 6: Math.
x, :; XIV, 1916; Luke vi, 9S: II Cor.
viii, 90; Phil. ". II: Acts, iii, 6; vi. 4;
Xxx. 80.