Cleveland County herald., 1918-12-05
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 22
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.
LESSON TEXT--Tnke 2.Q-2n


 Note: Since the lesson committee has suggested the birth of Jesus, a 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 29.
 The birth of the Saviour occurred at 1 most propitious time. The need was great, for the systems of morals and religion were tottering upon their | foundations. It was also time of great opportunity, for the whole world was under one rule, making it possible 1 for 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 | foretold some seven hundred years be- fore (Micah 5:2). God permitted the | emperor to enforce a decree of taxation | just at the time to cause Mary to be at Bethlehem when she gave birth to the Saviour. That which the Word of l God has announced shall most surely come to pass, though it's fulfillment seem most unlikely and unreason- able. The surroundings of his birth were the most humble sort. The AL mighty Creator condescended to take alpon himself humanity-to be born in n manager, becoming the poorest of the BOOT that none might be hindered from coming to him.
 1. The Savour's Birth Announced (2:8-14).
 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 1 them from this greatest favor of God. Moses, Gideon, Amos and Elisha were called by the Lord from the busy ae-4 tivities of life. He never calls the idle. The Lord has no use for lazy man. The working man is Gods pe- 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 infn i,, Ill 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. 10). CD A Saviour Is born. Surely this was 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 l (John 2:31). Liberty was about to be proclaimed to those in bondage to l 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. It 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 not 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.
 n. The Shepherds Make Investiga- tion (215, 16).
 Though these things seemed pass ing strange to them they did not stop
 to question or argue; they went 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 e: ID.
 When they saw the Lord they could
 not remain silent. They were im-
 pelled 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 (v. 10). The
 gospel of Christ is for all people re-
 gardless 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 Praising God
 (2:1820).
 The testimony of the shepherds had varying effect-some wondered. and others kept the sayings and pondered them, but the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. Those who have believed the gospel message and proclaimed 1t abroad have a peculiar | joy which must express itself in praises to God.