The Green Forest tribune., 1917-12-21
NIFpNGTlONAI. SUNlGS0lOOL
 LESSON (By E. o. SELLERS, Acting Director of the Sunday School Course of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago) Copyright, 1917. Western Newspaper Union.)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 23
THE STORY OF THE FIRST
 CHRISTMAS.
LESSON TExT-Matthew 2:1-12.

LESSON TEXT-Matthew 2:1-12.
 GOLDEN TEXT-There is born to you this day In the city of David a Savior. who Is Christ the Lord.-Luke 2:11.
 The story of the birth of Jesus is recorded in three of the four Gospels, Matthew, Luke and John, each of which contributes some feature essen- tial to complete the picture. No one should teach this lesson who does not have good harmony of the Gospels" Every year for the 45 years of the International Sunday School Lessons, we have had the Christmas lesson taken from these three Gospels one at a time. This year in closing the present series, we unite all three Gospels in one complete story, "The Story of the First Christmas"
 The order of events should clearly be kept in mind as follows ''The angelic announcement to Zacharias, the priest, while in the exercise of his ministerial office. The angelic an- nouncement to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to Joseph, her espoused husband. Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, and the birth of John the Baptist. The birth of Jesus and his circumcision on the eighth day Uuke :21l .4Ss 9ss re5T 95s>-l.1 :lo1 come 31 days later, introducing Simon the priest (Luke 2:22), and the purifcation of the mother.
 The coming of Jesus was at the most opportune time in hll the history of the world, for Palestine was the cen tral region of the RorNan empire. The whole civilized we, was subject to Roman domination. He was born while the entire world was at peace, for once in it's history. Travel was at its best, for the Roman military roads all centered in Rome and ex- tended throughout the empire. The Greek language was spoken every where, along with native languages, so that the Gospel could readily be heard in all parts of the empire. The Old Testament was translated into Greek. The Jews were scattered throughout all lands, carrying this Old Testament with them, and had estab- lished their synagogues in nearly ev- cry city and town. There was also a widespread intellectual and moral awakening, and there was widespread religious unrest and hungering for something better.
 |. The Search. Notice that he who was born on this first Christmas, was the "only begotten of God" This div inc being became flesh, q strange and seemingly impossible union, but only such a union of the human and divine could draw man to God. If Jesus had not been identified with the divine nature of God, all the love, honor and devotion which we give to him, would lead us into idolatry. CD Wisdom seeking (vv. 1, ?. See also Acts 13 :6. Who these men were, we do not know. They were evidently students of the stars, and perhaps came from Persia whither Balaam went. Numbers 23:7; Numbers 24 4:17-19) They may have known of Daniels prophecy. They came because they had seen a star. little light, only small star, and we may have the sun. (John S:12.) The highest wisdom is to know God. (Prov. 9:10) We do not have to seek far to find him. The highest wisdom Is also teachable: Where Is he that is born?" These wise men were not the first ones to seek him, for the humble shepherds who had heard the angelic host Uuke 2:15, 16), immediately went to Jerusalem to make sure that the good news was true. Tradition only gives us the names of these men. They typify the world. the first Gentiles who came to seek Jesus. (2) WickednesS Seeking (v. 3-S). It Is interesting to note the alarm of Herod, his suspi cion and jealousy. Whyi Note the carefulness of Herod's search. First the chief priests, who were the ologians; then the scribes and lawyers, who were the historians; then the common people who were familiar with the traditions; and finally, the wise men (v. ?. He thought he had not left any loop-hole in his search, but he had neglected God It is interesting to know that the searching of Scripture on this oc- casion did not produce the result we most naturally think of in connection with the study of the word of God.
 II. Wisdom Rewarded (vv. 9-1D. Persistent obedient searching after God always brings wisdom. Notice the steps of the wise men. They sought, they found, they rejoiced they worshiped and they gave gifts. The stable of Christ's birth is evidently an exchange for house (v. Il and Luke 2:7). The gifts they presented have threefold significance: Gold, for royalty, indicating divine glory; Frank incense for deity, the aroma of his life; Myrrh, signifying death, his death and it's value to mankind. Notice that they did not worship Mary. They gave their best gifts and thus they provided for his flight into Egypt. Their gifts represented the worlds tribute, but notice that worship came before giving. (Psalm 72 10, 11.)
 III. Wickedness Rolled (vv. 12-16). God intervened (v. 12). Notice the impotent rage of the enemy (v. 16). l Christ was delivered. HeI'0d was dis mayed, and the people we're desolate, due to sin Notice the edltrasts. Men