Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-06

REVIEW.-The international commit
tee. whose duty 1t Is to select passages OF
Scripture for study in the Sunday schools
of the world, has appointed certain studies
in the life of Christ for the year 1906.
These studies are taken from all the gos
pels in chronological order The book from
which We study today bears its authors
name. As the companion of Paul duke
iv:14) Luke had the full knowledge OF the
early years of Christianity och. i:3), and
he was in hearty sympathy with the mis-
sionary spirit of the apostle to the Gentiles.
Master of Greek learning, he employed his
scholarship to give finish to his writings.
He began his sketch of Jesus by recording
what the other evangelists omit-the an
nunciation to Zacharias, to Elizabeth and
to Mary; the latters visit to Elizabeth and
her inspired song; the birth and infancy of
John the Baptist, the great forerunner and
herald of the Christ, the promised Elijah
Matt, iv:5-6), who should prepare the way
by calling men to repentance
DECREE oversees 1-3).-Under what
particular political conditions did the birth
of Jesus occur? 1t has always been sup
posed that mans career was dependent
to some extent at least, upon his surround
ings These might be favorable; they would
certainly be interesting. Luke informs us
that it was in the days of the taxing. Gaze
sar Augustus, in the height of his power,
conceived a plan by which he might be-
come absolute monarch in all parts of his
vast empire. He ordered complete CEN
sus to be taken, at which all heads of fami-
lies should be enrolled and tribute should
be paid. In this way the treasury would
be replenished and the sovereignty acknowi-
edged. The plan was something like the
survey made by William the Conqueror
and compiled in the Dooms-day book. The
on, ma for do
years before. Now 1t is repeated When
completed the scepter would depart from
Judah and ali authority would rest in
Rome. Gen, xlix:10).
OCCASION oversees 4-7)-What did
this have to do with the birth of Jesus?
Intended by Caesar for one purpose, 1t was
overruled by divine providence for another
purpose. psalm lxxvi:1O). The decree re-
quired that eli people in the Province of
Judea should return to their tribal home
to be listed. The provision would be par
alleled If all the inhabitants of the United
States were compelled to return to the
states and towns Of their nativity. Accord
ingly there was a great movement of the
population, some being put to great incon-
venience. Responding to the edict. from
which there was no escape, Joseph and
Mary journeyed from their home in Naza-
reth southwark to the city of Bethlehem
in the land of Judah, to which tribe they
their arrival. Jesus was born. fulfilling the
prediction that had been made concerning
Him. (Micah, v:2)
SHEPHERDS (verse $40 whom
shall 1t be first announced that Christ
has conner Shall it be to Herod at Jerusa-
lem? No, he is jealous and cruel and will
seek to destroy the babe. Matt. HID.
Shall It be to the priests and scrfbes? No,
they are naughty and bigoted. esteeming
their prerogatives more than the cause of
righteousness, prosecuting any who turned
the people from them. Matt, Xxvi:4I).
Besides, they interpret the prophecies con-
corning the Messiah as descriptive Of a
temporal prince, and they will not receive
as such one of iowly birth The dignitarles
in church and state will one day unite to
put Jesus to death. (Luke. xXii:2). Out
side the city humble men are watching
their flocks. possibly the descendants OF
xvi:1O. These shepherds shall be first to
know of the advent. They have not been
corrupted by court life, and they are best
prepared to hear the message. psalm
ANGEL tverse 9.-Who shall tell the
story to the shepherds? Shall 1t be the
porter John. x:3) who keeps the gate, who
admitted the travellers from Galilee? He
doubtful if he SHOWS anything of the man
ger and its precious occupant. Shall Jo-
seph go The young mother needs his
company. Matt, HID. Shall some one
of the village be sent? The Inhabitants are
asleep. and know not the dignity Of the little
stranger. An angel shall be employed. He
knows what no mortal then understood, |
for hls homo is the eternal labitation
whence Jesus came John xvii:5), where |
for countless ages the inexpressible glory
has been displayed. On other errands an
gels had come to earth Gen., Xxi:1O, sud /
denly descending from the sky, the celes- |
tial visitor was among the shepherds. The
effulgence of the world above attended him |
and lighted up all the plain, shedding an |
unearthly splendor over the face of nature. !