Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-21

INTRODUCTION.--In the month Oh
December the rural population of ancient
Italy celebrated a festival called the Sa-
turnalia, the origin of which was
ascribed to the gods. At first 1t was a
kind of harvest home occasion not I'M
like our Thanksgiving. Under the en-
perors games were introduced. The fes-
tivities began about the 10Th and con-
tinued a week, during which all business
was suspended. social distinctions were
forgotten. crowds of people pressed along
the thoroughfares, presents were ex-
changed, feasting and revelry were in the
houses and all classes made merry. In
the second Christian century the Bishop
of Rome instituted a movable feast in
commemoration of the birth of Christ.
The eastern churches observed it in April
and May. In the fourth century. after
due consideration, the festival of the ma
tivity was fixed on the 18th of Deem
Der. It has been thought by some that
this was done to displace the heather OBJ
servances above mentioned. Whether de-
signed or not. IT had that effect. For
many centuries the rejoicing at this time
of the year has been tempered by
thoughts of the advent. The lesson of the
day covers incidents connected with that
event.
VISrTORS.-Luke records the visit
Of the shepherds on the morning after the
birth, and the presentation in the temple
at Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary must
have returned to Bethlehem. perhaps to
complete the listing ordered by Caesar
duke. lid. While there other visitors
came from the east probably from the
ancient home Of Abraham Gen. KID.
They were called wise men, class of
whom. like the friends of Job. devoted
themselves to the study of philosophy and
religion. BY many It is believed that they
had access to the prophetic writings of
Israel. which. by the captivity had been
extensively distributed among the learned
There was general expectation through
out the world that an important person
age was about to appear These wise
men had seen a star Numb. xxiv:17).
which they had interpreted as an omen Of
the birth OF a king. They came therefore
TO Jerusalem. the capital Of the nation.
surprising that the Infant Prince would
he known among those in authority.
Inear purpose was praiseworthy 1t was
no idle curiosity. neither spirit of enmity
tnat brought them: they desired siuply
to pay their homage 0sa., lx:3). In this
they may have been moved by tho good
spirit of God own
ANXIETY-The appearance OF these
men In Jerusalem, their statement of
what tney mad seen before leaving home.
thelr question and their declared purpose.
caused no small commotion. Herod was
greatly troubled. An Edomite by descent.
proselyte to the Jewish religion. he had
come to the throne by war and bIoodshed
Ambitious and cruel he feared a ri,o1
ana probably knew something of the old
time predictions of Messiah. The. rovaJ
FAMILY. especially the sons who succeeded
Ihis monster. would share his anxiety.
! tney would naturally communicate their
thoughts to subordinates in the pubIic
service, and the feeling of insecurity
would gradually pervade all official cir
cles. 1t Is possible that the church party
AMI the people would be divided. Pfous
SOUS there were. waiting prayerfully for
tne coming OF the promised One John
f:4o), and many were weary of Roman
rule Acts. i:6). But, on the other hand.
partly because of honor and emolument
many desired to retain the existing order
quite content to be under the rule of Cae-
sar John. Xix:12). The discussions result
Ing from this diversity of opinion and in
terest would add to the general excite
ment, until the theme would be on every
lip.
COUNSEL.-Wicked thoughts and
purposes entered into the heart of Herod,
for the execution of which he needed
fuller Information. Where is this Child,
the prospective King?. He is not in the
palace. neither in Jerusalem. The chief
priests and scribes. the high officials of
the church, were called together and con-
suited. They were not, as rule men of
piety. but they were acquainted with the
Scriptures. Seated in the great council
chamber they represented the best learn
ing of the nation Matt. ii:7). Herod re-
CURED them to tell him where Christ
should be BORN For their reply they
searched the sacred writings; nor needed
they to search long. The custodians of
the parchments. with more care and pre-
cision than we exercise now, had a sys-
tenn of indexing by which any subject
might be quickly examined John, v:3O.
and every detail concerning the great
King might be easily traced. The proof
text was found (dicah, wy. and the an
swer was given, in the very language of
the old prophet, who had written seven
centuries before.
ORDERS.-Having obtained the de-
sired information. Herod called the wise
men and inquired concerning the time
when. the star appeared. This was the
second step in working out his fiendish
design. Because afterward he ordered the
slaughter of all the innocents two years
old and under (Ch., lilo 1t is thought
by some that that indicated the time
which they gave him. They were then
sent to Bethlehem, with instructions to
search for the Child and to return and
bring Herod word. He would make these
good and wise men the advance agents
of his crime. What consummate hypoc-
risy is this? What hellish hate? The Lord
of Glory began His career with a murder
Gus king in search of Him psalms. ii:2).
1t was right thing which Herod pro-
posed-to worship Jesus, emblematic of
that honor which all kings must ultimate
ly pay Him (Rev.. XXi:2D. But his con-
cealed purpose was the earliest expression
of that enmty of the unregenerate heart
which pursued Him throughout His career