The Yale expositor., 1908-12-18
A CHRISTMAS
LESSON
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 20, 1908
Specially Arranged for This Paper


born this day in the city of David a
Saviour. which is Christ the Lord
Luke PILL
Comment and Suggestive Thought.
Jesus was born in the stable of an
inn, or khan, at Bethlehem, six miles
south of Jerusalem.
He was born probably about four
years before our Christian era, Deem
Der, b. G. 5, /. e., If on December %,
only one week more than four years.
But 1t is sufficiently accurate and best
to count in accordance with the dates
used in all our histories and almanacs,
at the beginning of the year l A. D.,
or 1908 years ago.
Note-1. There was something spe-
cially fitting in Bethlehem as his birth
place, because it was the city of David,
his royal ancestor.
2. This was in accordance with
prophecy (Mic. 5:2).
3. Note the Divine Providence in
thus guiding Joseph and Mary TO Beth
lehem at this time by decree beyond
their control, and without human
planning.
4. Jesus came to earth in the cir
cumstances best fitting him to be the
Saviour of man. He began his life
in humble way and was brought up
in humble life and honest toll, that he
might be the friend of all men, but
especially of the poor and suffering.
5. If he was born in December, as
is probable, the time was symbolical,
since the 25th of December comes
when the longest night Of the year
gives way, and the days begin TO
lengthen.
This is the greatest gift ever given
to this world.
From his glorious home he came to
this world, as the highest expression
OF Gods love. TO take upon himself
our human nature for the salvation of
the world from sin to holiness and
heaven.
The divine nature of Christ is not a
mere theory, far away from human
life, but is a fact essential TO one who
would reveal God to men, and be the
Saviour of men. He speaks TO us from
personal knowledge of God, of his love,
his care, his readiness TO forgive, his
nearness to men, his fatherhood. He
tells us about heaven and immortal
life from his own experience. Only
the Son of God could possibly make
atonement of sin. Only he could have
power to save us at all times and in
all places, TO be our ever-present
friend, our perfect example, our in
fallible guide.
Christmas Giving.-The natural re-
spouse to this great gift from God, is
for us TO make gifts of love to others,
of help to those whom Jesus came to
help.
Christmas giving is a right express
sion of this spirit. Often imperfect,
often too narrow, often such that the
thought dwells more on the receiving
than the giving; yet there is no cele
bration of any holiday that is SO ap-
propriate as this of giving, in the cele
bration of the birth of Jesus.
All can give. There is no one so
poor, so unworthy, so feeble or lonely,
but there is something he can give to
express Gods will to men, deeds OF
kindness, expressions of sympathy,
words OF love and cheer and hope and
courage. Like the apostles, each must
act on Peters word: Such as | have
give to thee"
The Magnificat OF Mary.-Luke 1:
1856. His mercy is on them that
fear him from generation to genera
tion."
The Benedictus of Zacharias.-Luka
1:6S-79. ITO give light to them that
sit In darkness and in the shadow OF
death, to guide our feet into the way
of peace"
The Gloria in Excelsis of the Angels
Luke 2:14. GLORY 20 God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men,"
GLORY to God" Glory is the out
ward expression, the outshining of
greatness and goodness. When God
showed his glory to Moses on the
mount, 1t was Gods goodness that
shone upon him.
For the coming of Jesus was the
highest expression of Gods glory, the
fullness of his nature. his love, his
goodness, which passed before Moses
when he asked to see Gods glory.
The phrase expresses both the fact
and the desire that all should recog.
nize Gods glory. I'm the highest"
% In the highest strains. Only the
most exquisite music and song are
worthy TO express this theme. CD In
the highest heavens. The glory shines
and the praise sounds to the highest
heavens. II is the noblest song and
the brightest glory even there. 80
In the highest degree. The plan of sal.
walton through Jesus Christ, so in
finitely wise, so infinitely loving, man.
ifests Gods glory more than all the
wonders Of creation, when all the
sons Of God shouted for joy" For the
souls Of the saved shall shine as the
brightness OF the armament"
The coming OF Jesus meant peace
on EARTH" including all welfare, bless
ing, love.
Good will toward men," The ex.