The Brinkley argus., 1918-12-20
IMPROVED JhyFogM INTERNATIONAL SUNlMlSCHOOL
 LESSON (By REV. r. 5. FITZWATER. D. D.. Ieacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago) Copyright, 1918 Western Newspaper Union)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 22
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

'nis day In the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.-Luke 2:11
 Note: Since the lesson committee has suggested the birth of Jesus, a 1 Christmas lesson as an alternative for this day, doubtless for most classes it will be desirable to use the Christmas lesson and substitute the alternative lesson for the review on December 20.
 The birth of the Saviour occurred at most propitious time. The need was great, for the systems of morals and religion were tottering upon their foundations. It was also a time of great opportunity, for the whole world was under one rule. making it possible Tor evangelists to go from city to city and country to country without fear or molestation. The place of his birth was Bethlehem, as the prophet had 1 foretold some seven hundred years be- I fore (Micah , :2). God permitted the emperor to enforce decree of taxation l just at the time to cause Mary to be l at Bethlehem when she gave birth to the Saviour. That which the Word of 1 God has announced shall most surely ! come to pass, though it's fulfllment l seem most unlikely and unreason- able. The surroundings of his birth gere the most humble sort. The All 'v.ighty Creator condescended to take soon himself humanity-to be born in a manager, becoming the poorest of the .soor that none might be hindered :com coming to him.
 l. The Saviours Birth Announced (2:S-14.
 l. To Whom-Shepherds (v. S). 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- ble men while watching over their fiocks by 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?" Games 2:5). 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- tiyities of life He never calls the idle. The Lord has no use for q lazy ma,. The working man is Gods pc culiar interest.
 2. By Whom-The Angel of the Lord (v. 9. The first gospel sermon was delivered by the angel of the Lord Angels, the exalted ministers of God are interested in men (HebreWS l :14), 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 Tidings (v. 1O). CD A Saviour is born. Surely this was q gladsome 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 :31). 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- enly host accompanied this announce ment with their song of praise. 1t IS through Jesus Christ that Gods kind ness and good will are made known to man. CD Peace (v. 14). Peace with | God-peace of heart-peace with man. How incongruous this message with our time The world war was the re- suit of n.t receiving this blessed mes sage. (3) Joy (v. 10. The gospel message is a joyful message because it frees from sin and removes all the burdens of this world.
 II. The Shepherds Make Investiga- tion (2:15, 16).
 Though these things seemed pass ing strange to them they did not stop to question or argue; they went 1 straight to Bethlehem and found everything just as the angels had said. They had the glorious privilege of gazing upon the worlds Saviour-the very Lord of glory.
 III. The Shepherds Witnessing (2: ID.
 l When they saw the Lord they could not remain silent. They were im- pelIed to make known abroad the good news. Those who have heard the good news of salvation through Christ and have verified it by personal investiga- ton must tell it to others. The angels said that the good tidings of great joy should be to all people (y. lO). The gospel of Christ is for all people re eardless of nationality or condition. It is just as really good news to the king as to the peasant. It fills the hearts of all with Joy.
 w. The Shepherds Praisino God (2:182O).
 Tho testimony Of the shepherds had a varyfnx e6ect-some wondered. and others kept tn saytngs and pondered then, but the shepherds went back sicrifylng and praising God for all they had seen and heard. Those who have believed the gospel message and proclaimed it abroad have peculiar