Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-03
- UR lesson centers once more about
~ the nativity of our Lord. No

- UR lesson centerS once more about
US the nativity of our Lord. No
other portion of the gospel rec
ords has given Ito painters, poets and
preachers so many themes for songs,
studies and sermons. The concise state
ments Of the gospel authors have been en-
larged, expanded and expressed in va
rious legends, that have sought to an
swer the various questions of men whose
lives have been quickened, by the advent
of Christ. To the human interest in the
birth Of child has been added the re-
ligous- and historical in the birth of
Jesus. Christianity has its fundamental
basis in the miracle of the ages. that
Tod entered the human race in the birth
of Christ -. ~. ~ sT..
The philosopher who tries to solve the
influence of Christianity, that has
changed the. current of civilization by
permeating the nations of the earth
with its principles. and tries to trace
back this mighty river. that has over
flown the earth with its life-giving
waters, finds it's fountain. head in the
birth Of Jesus Christ. The lesson before
us Is full of suggestion. 1t represents the
attitude Of modern men toward Christ IN
their indifference, selfishness and SYM
pathy. The great fact of the lesson is
the birth of Savior and the way to find
Him. The progress of the wise men in
search for the King is directed by the
three great lights, Science. Scripture and
Savior-that still points out the way Of
life to men.
Science.
The wise men came from the east seek
ing to worship the newborn King be-
cause they had seen His star in the east.
They followed the light of nature. The
sages Of the east from their study Of
the phenomena Of nature. that had
already been systematized- into a science,
had come to know that: "Earth's cram
med with heaven, and every common
bush afire with God. The universe is a
revelation Of God because THE hea-
vens declare the glory of God and the
armament showeth His handiwork."
To the man who loves nature it speaks
the message of God who in holy love
creates, sustains and orders ALL Some
voice of nature that prOclaims the divine
message.
The souls that get along with God in
the cathedral Of the woods. the solitude
of the plains or. the silence OF the
mountains hear messages that influence
their lives. About SAUL when he was
drawing near to Damascus. there shOne
a light from heaven above the brightness
of the sun. Owen RhOscomyl, in tale
Of the western prairies, relates personal
experience Of how suddenly, all in the
lifting of a hoof. the weird prairie had
cleaned into eerie life. had dropped the
veil and spoken to him." The sky spoke
Gods message to the wise men. The
sages of the east, shut up to the story of
nature, made the best of. the light t. at
had come to them from the predictions
Of the star. They followed its. leading
until they came to selfish Herod, who
t,os,>
was a limitation to their learning. Mys-
terry is at the commencement. and end of
all knowledge. The stars revealed the
glory of God, but were Inadequate as a
revelation Of His personality. purpose
and power. They needed a fuller reve-
lation than that of nature. The light OF
reason prompted them to question Herod.
He turned to the scholars of his court,
who found an answer in the Scripture.