The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-12-25

a9 s the Father of
ISsEEasssssszsss5A Sss Lights. in whom
lltASIG)k KUSStLlJj there is no varia-
blenesS nor shad-
ow Of turning. "-James ILL.
In many respects. said the Pastor,
Christmas is a delightful season. Ad-
hitting that it is the date of the An
nunciation. and that our Lords birth
was in the following October, neverthe-
less 1t is delightful custom that calls
attention to the birth mt Bethlehem.
and memOrialiZes Gods great Gift on
our behalf. The custom of giving lit
tie tokens of esteem is still a blessing
to the world To the extent that We
enter into it heartily, we are exercis-
ing a godlike quality.
Some of Gods Gifts.
The Pastor then enumerated some of
the common gifts which God has given
all men to enjoy richly. The air we
breathe, the refreshing water, the
golden sunshine, the beauties of ma
ture-animate and inanimate-he de-
scribed in glowing terms. These gifts
are all from the Father of Mercies.
All these are blessings, notwithstand-
ing our fallen condition, our weak
nesSes of mind and body. which him
der proper appreciation. When we re-
call that the sick lose appetite and
fail to appreciate and when we re-
member that humanity is sin-sick. We
may well wonder how much more a
perfect man might have enjoyed these
blessings, which are still precious
to us.
Richly to Enjoy.
The Pastor then showed that al
though Gods gifts are on every hand,
yet the majority of people receive
them in a stupid, unappreciative man
ner, unconscious of their blessings
lie also demonstrated that this is the
result of sin which has Initiated every
good quality of mind and body. From
the Scriptures he proved that the
world, through losing relationship to
God. has lost the sense of appreciation
Of many Of Gods gifts. Consequently
mankind are unhappy, unholy, I'M
thankful. seeking pleasure and happi-
ness. but finding instead discomfort
and disappointment.
The speaker went on to demonstrate
that only one class are really able to
enjoy Heavens gifts highly. These
have passed through certain mental
experience. which is Transforming
their life. They have caught a glimpse
Of the Almighty, and have learned
that all these gifts are of His bestow-
ing. They gave their hearts to the
Lord. and received new hearts in re-
turn. With these. old things have be-
come new They are indeed New
Creatures begotten of the Holy Spirit,
through the Word of Truth.
Gods Unspeakable Gift.
St Paul's exclamation. Thanks be
unto God for His unspeakable Giftw
the Pastor said. refers to the gift Of
Gods dear Son to be mans Redeemer
The death sentence passed upon Adam
by the Supreme Court of the Universe
could not be revoked and that sentence
included all of Adams posterity. II
an unblemished human life could be
substituted for his. the majesty of the
Divine Law could stand. and Adam
and his race might be granted a fresh
trial for life or death everlasting. But
no such perfect man existed; and had
there been one. who knows whether
he would have been willing to sacrifice
his life and all its prospects?
The Pastor quoted many Scriptures
showing that God has n gracious Plan
for mans salvation; and that when He
presented it to His Son, the Son will
ingly and gladly co-operated AS we
read, For the JOY set before Him,
[Hel endured the cross, despising the
shame. and is now [as reward set
down at the right hand of the Throne
of GOd"-awaiting the glories of His
Millennial Kingdom and of eternity.
Gifts to the Church.
Gods time has not yet come for Civ
ing the blessings of the Redeemer's
sacrifice to the world. said the Pastor.
The distribution of those gifts will be
during earth's Thousand Year-Day of
jubilee Meantime God has been pre-
pairing gifts for a special class of hui
manity. This class He is now selecting
from amongst all nations and demon
nations. TO these He gives spiritual
gifts-new hearts of appreciation, new
eyes Of understanding, new powers Of
spiritual enjoyment.
Then the speaker showed that the
value Of a gift lies in the love and fell
lowship Of which ii is reminder
Daily each should shed on life's path
way gifts bringing cheer-kind words
and looks, the nod of recognition. acts
of sympathy These gifts mean much
to the giOaning creation.