The Carlisle independent., 1917-12-20


 this day in the city of David, 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, Lu1.e 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 2:2I. His redemption some 31 days later, introducing Simon the priest Ouke :22), and the purifcation of the mother.
 The coming of Jesus was at the most opportune time in all the history of the world, for Palestine was the cen tral region of the Roman empire. The whole civilized world was subject to Roman domination. He was born while the entire world was at peace, for once in its history. Travel was at it's 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. 9hp 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 widespread intellectual and moral awakening and there was widespread religious unrest and a hungering for something better.
 |. The Search. Notice that he who was born OF this first Christmas, was the "only begotten of God" This div inc being became flesh, a strange and seemingly impossible union, but only sueh 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. l. ?. 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 q :17t9) They may have known of Daajels prophecy. They eame because they had seen a star. 4 little light, only small star, and we mar have the sun. (John SI2) The highest wisdom is to know God. QroE. 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 tho first ones to seek him, for the humble shepherds who had heard the aagelic host Uuke 2:15. 1G). immediately went to Jerusalem to nuke 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. @ Wickedness Seeking (v. 3-8). It Is interesting to note the alarm of Herod, his suspi- cion and jealousy. Why? Note the carefulness of Herods search. First the chief priests, who were the oloeians; then the scribes and lawyers, who were the historians; then the common people who were familiar with the traditions; and, finally. tic wise men (y. ?.
 Ii. Wisdom Rewarded (vv. 9-11). Persistent obedlent 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 CkIist's birth is evidently an exchange fef a house (v. II and Luke 2:7. The gifts they presented have q threefoid significance: Gold. for royalty, indicating divine glorx; Frank incense Tor deity, the arorA of his life, Myrrh, signifying death { death and its valae 10 mankind. Ndgers that eSee did not worship Mary. and
 III. Wickedness Rolled (vv.k s16). God interveaed (v. 12). No-- Ahe impotent rage of the enemy Aue. B. Christ was delivered. Herod Hpfs dis mayed, and the people were desolate.
 suugestions: The cry where" of the human heart is here answered. God answers all honest searching. God himself gave his best gift (John 8 :16). God also desires our best gift We must worship Jesus as king. Religion is not for the Magi alone, nor for the common upoDle if is for all. We have