The Marietta journal. (Marietta, Ga.) 1918-1944, 1920-12-17

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL = Matt /
and 2.
PRIMARY ToPIC-The Gift of the
Baby Jesus.
JUNIOR ToPIC-The Shepherd and the
Angels.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
"A Savior Born.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
The Significance of the Incarnation.
|. The Birth Of the Savior wv. LII.
/. The time of wv. /, y. 1t was at a
time when the Jews were coming I'M
der control of the Roman power. In
the providence of God, the birth of
Christ occurred at time when all
the systems of religion and morality
were tottering upon their foundations.
1t was at time, indeed, when a new
force was needed to be brought into
the world. Furthermore, 1t occurred
at time which was the most suitable
for the introduction of the gospel. The
whole world being under one rule
made it possible for ministers to move
from city to city and from country to
country without molestation.
2. The place of wv. 3, ~. 1t took
place at Bethlehem as the prophet had
foretold some seven hundred years be-
fore (Micah 5 :2). A little while previ-
Gus to this 1t seemed very unlikely that
the words of Micah would come true.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was in
Galilee, miles away from Jerusalem.
God moved the emperor to enforce the
decree of taxation just at the time to
cause Mary to 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 Crea-
tor condescended to take upon Himself
humanlty-tO be born In q manger,
becoming the poorest Of the poor, that
none might be hindered from coming
to Him.
II. The Birth Of the Savior An.
nounced wv. 8-14.
H. ~ NHOlh w. o.. Ills DlTlH WAS
announced to the shepherds who were
keeping watch over their hocks by
night. The glorious gospel message
was first sounded forth to 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 oftentimes these things are con-
cealed 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 to them that love him?" Games
2:5). Their being busy with the
duties of this life did not prevent
them from being favored with this
glorious message from God. Moses,
Gideon, Amos and Elisha were called
by the Lord from the busy activities
Of life. The Lord never calls.the idle
he has no use for the lazy man.
2. BY whom ". 81. The first gospel
sermon was preached by the angel of
the Lord. This exalted being has part
l
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.
1914. 1t was good tidings of great
Joy. Surely this was q gladstone mes
sage. 1t was good tidings because the
darkness of heathendOm which had for
so long covered the earth was begin
ming to vanish. The casting out of
Satan, the prince Of the world, was
about to take place. Liberty was now
soon to be proclaimed to those who
were In bondage. The way Of saliva
tion was now about to be opened to
all. No longer was the knowledge of
God to be confined to the Jews, but
offered to the whole world. SO glori-
Gus was this good news that multi
tude Of the heavenly hosts appeared,
joining In the song of praise.
III. The Prompt investigation Of the
Shepherds wv. Is, 16).
They did not stop to argue or ques-
tion, though no doubt these things
| seemed passing strange to them, but
they hastily went to Bethlehem where
they found everything just as repre-
sented. They had the privilege of
first gazing upon the worlds Savior,
the Lord of glory. They returned with
gratitude In their hearts, praIslng God
| for all these wonderful things which
He had revealed to them.
w. The Shepherds Witnessing wv.
1920.
They could not remain silent. They
were impelled to tell the good news.
All who have truly heard the good It'd
ings of salvation through Jesus Christ
must tell 1t to others These shepherds
went back to their work praising God,