South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-12-19

Sunday School
Lesson Today
by T.. Il. LITZwATEsR, ID. ID.
Moody Bible Institute.)
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

MOODY Bible instituted
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.
LESSON TEXT-Luke 2:1-2O.
GOLDEN TEXT-For unto YOU Is
born this day I'm the city of David, a
Savior, which is Christ the Lord
Luke All.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Matt.
I and ?.
PRIMARY ToPIC-The gift of
the Baby Jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Thc Shepherd
and the Angels.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR
TOPIC-A Savior Born.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT
TOPIC-The Significance OF the In
CarnatiOn.
I'D.
/. The time OF wv. 1, p. It was
at time when the Jews were COM
ing under control of the Roman
power. In the providence OF God,
the birth OF Christ occurred at a
time when all the systems Of relig-
ion and morality were tottering upon
their foundations. 1t was at q time,
indeed. when a new force was need
ed TO be brought into the world.
Furthermore, IL occurred at a time
which was the most suitable for the
introduction of the gospel. The
whole world being under one rule
made il possible for ministers To
move from city TO city and from
country TO country without molesta-
ton.
2. The place Of wv. 8, -. It took
place at Bethlehem as the prophet
had fOretold some 700 years before.
(Micah SGD. A little while previ-
Gus TO this il seemed very unlikely
that the words of Micah would come
true. Mary, the mother Of Jesus,
was in Galilee. miles away from Je-
rusalem. God moved the emperor
10 enforce the decree OF taxation
Just at the time 10 cause Mary 10
be at Bethlehem at the proper time.
Little did the emperor realize that
he was an instrument in the hands
Of God TO carry this out
3. The circumstances of His birth
". y. The surroundings were the
most humble sort. The Almighty
Creator Condescended 10 take upon
Himself humanity-to be born in
manger, becoming the poorest OF the
poor, that none might be hindered
from coming TO Him.
U.The Birth OF the savior An
nOunccd wv. SID.
]. To whom ". 81. His birth
was announced to the shepherds
who were keeping watch over their
flocks by night. The glorious mes
sage was first sounded forth 10
them. This shows that poverty is
no barrier TO the reception of the
blessed gospel. God does not reveal
Himself mainly to the princes and
great men of the earth, but often
times these things are conceal from
such, and disclosed TO the poor.
Hath not God chosen the poor of
this world, rich in faith and heirs of
the kingdom, which he hath prom
Used 10 them that love him." Games
2:5). They being busy with the du-
ties of this life did not prevent them
from being favored with this glori-
Gus message from God. Moses,
Gideon, Amos and Elisha were call
ed by the Lord from the busy activ-
tiles of life. The Lord never calls
the idle; he has no use for the lazy
man.
2. BY whom ". 81. The first COS
pei sermon was preached by the
angel Of the Lord. This exalted be
ing has part in the announcement of
the plan Of salvation. No doubt
angels earnestly sympathize with
poor, fallen, sin-cursed men.
3. The nature of the message wv.
1O-14). 1t was good tidings of great
joy. Surely this was a gladstone
message. 1t was good tidings be-
cause darkness of heathendOm
which had for so long covered the
earth was beginning to vanish. The
casting out of Satan, the prince OF
the world. was about TO take place.
Liberty was no soon to be proclaim
ed 10 those who were in bondage.
The way of salvation was now about
to be opened 10 all. No longer was
the knowledge of God TO be confined
10 the Jews, but offered to the whole
world. SO glorious was this good
news that a multitude of heavenly
hosts appeared, joining in the song
of praise.
III. The Prompt Investigation of
tine Shepherds CIV. is, 16).
They did not stop TO argue or
question. though no doubt these
things seemed passing strange TO
them. but they hastily went 20 Beth
lehem where they found everything
Just as represented They had the
privilege of first gazing upon the
worlds savior. the Lord of glory.
They returned with gratitude in
their hearts. praising God for all
these wonderful things which He
had revealed 10 them.
". The Shepherds witnessing
(vv. 1920.
They could not remain silent.
They were impelled to tell the good
news. All who have truly heard the
good tidings OF salvation through
Jesus Christ must tell il TO others.
These shepherds went back to their