Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1918-12-20
.s.4,yED UNIFORM IsrElsArIoNn
SUNNYS(1O0L
LESSON
(By REV. r. B. FITZWATER, D. d..
Teacher of English Bible In the MOODY
Bible Institute Of chicagoo
Copyright. 1918 Western Newspaper
Union)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER ~
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

GOLDEN TEAI-for UNIV wv 49,
this day in the city OF David Savior
who IL Christ the Lord.-Luke Ih.
Note: Since the lesson committee
has suggested the birth OF Jesus u
Christmas lesson, as an alternative TOT
this day, doubtless for most classes "
will he desirable to use the Christmas
lesson and substitute the ALTERNATIVES
lesson for the review on December 70
The birth OF the Saviour occurred NJ
most proptious time. The need was
great, for the systems Of morals anu
religion were totterlng upon their
foundations. 1t was also Tune OF
great opportunity, for the whole world
wns under one rule, making II possiDie
for evangelsts to 50 from city 10 cry
ana country to country without iear
or molestation. The place of his birth
was bethlehem, as the prophet hah
foretold some seven hundred years pe-
fore Micah 5.2). God permitted the
emperor TO enforce decree OF taxation
lust ut the time to cause Mary to De
at Bethlehem when she gave birth 10
the Saviour. That which the Word OF
God has announced shall most surel!
come to pass, though It's fuliillmeht
seem most unlikely and unreason'
able. The surroundings Of his birth
were the most humble sort. The Al
mighty Creator condescended to take
upon himself humanity-to be born In
a manger, becoming the poorest OF the
poor that none might be hlndereo
from coming to him.
I. The Saviours Birth Announced
(2:S-14.
/. To Shepherds ". 81. In
the first Christmas service the audi.
ence was composed of humble shep'
herds. The glorious gospel message
was first sounded forth TO these hum
Bile men while watching over their
focks BIS night. Poverty is no barrier
to the reception of the gospel message.
God does not reveal himself mainly to
the princes and great men of the earth.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this
world, rich In faith and heirs of the
kingdom?" (James 800. Neither did
their devotion TO their calling exclude
them from this greatest favor of God.
Moses, Gideon. Amos and Elisha were
called by the Lord from the busy ac'
tivlties Of life. He never calls the
idle. The Lord has no use for II lazy
man. The working man is Gods pc
culinr interest.
.. BY Whom-The Angel of the Lord
". %. The first gospel sermon was
delivered by the angel of the Lord.
Angels, the exalted ministers of God
are interested In men Hebrews ia,
and this one announced unto men
Gods plan of salvation. These beings
no doubt sincerely sympathized with
poor, sin-cursed, fallen men.
3. The Message-Good Tidlngs ".
10Y. ~ A Saviour is born. Surely
this was a gladstone message. Heath
en- darkness which had so long cursed
the earth was beginning TO vanish.
The casting out of Satan, the prince
of the world, was about TO take place
John 12:3D. Liberty was about to
be proclaimed to those In bondage TO
sin. The way OF salvation was about
to be opened TO all. So glorious was
this news that multitude Of the heav.
emily host accompanied this announce
ment with their song of praise. II Is
through Jesus Christ that Gods Kind
ness and good will are made known ia
man. (2) Peace ". l4), Peace with
God--peace of heart-peace with man
How homogeneous this message with
our time! The world war was the re
suit of not receiving this blessed mes
sage. (3) Joy ". 10Y. The gospe
message is a joyful message because Il
frees from sin and removes all thu
burdens of this world.
II. The Shepherds Make lnvestlga
ton cells, 16).
Though these things seemed pass
ing strange to them they did not stol
, to question or argue; they wen
straight to Bethlehem and foun,
everything just as the angels had said
They had the glorious privilege o
gazing upon the worlds Saviour--th
. very Lord of glory.
III. The Shepherds Witnessing e
~.
!, When they saw the Lord they coul
not remain silent. They were In
: PEELED TO make known abroad the goo
news. Those who have heard the goo
news of salvation through Christ an
have verified 1t by personal investigi
|. ton must tell 1t to others. The angel
: said that the good tidings of great 10
! should be to all people ". 10). TIL
gospel of Christ Is for all people r,
CARELESS Of nationality or condition
It is Just as really good news to I'll
Q king as to the peasant. 1t fills tn
hearts of all with joy.
~. The Shepherds Praising &c
(2:1S-20).
The testimony of the shepherds ha
a varying effect--some wondered, ar
n others kept the sayings and pondert
r them, but the shepherds went bat
l. clarifying and praising God for 3
r they had seen and heard. Those wi
, have believed the gospel message nj
n proclaimed 1t abroad have a peculi
Z JOY which must express itself
2 praises to God.
10 .-----------------------
Evidence Of Christianity.