The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1920-12-24

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~JUNIOR TOPlC-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. ~.
]. The time of wv. l, p. 1t was at q
| time when the Jews were coming un-
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, it 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 10
country without moIestation.
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 it 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
d""""e 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
". q. The surroundings were the
most humble sort. The Almighty Cren
tor cOndescended to take upon Himself
humanity-to be born in a manger
becoming the poorest of the poor, that
none might be hindered from coming
to Him. 49,
II. The Birth of the Savior An.
nounced wv. SID.
1. To whom ". 81. His birth was.
announced to the shepherds who were
keeping watch over their fiockss by
night. The glorious gospel message
was first sounded forth to them. This
shows that poverty is 30 barrier 10 /
the reception or 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,
iSed to them that love him?" (James
2:5). Their being busy with the
duties of this life did not prevent
them from being favored with this
glorious message from God. Noses
Gideon, Amos and Elisha were called
~ the Lord from the busy activities
IF life. The Lord never calls the idle;
ne has no use for the lazy man.
?. BY whom ". 81. The first gospel ,
sermon was preached by the angel of +
he Lord. This exalted being has part 6
n the announcement of the plan of
Aviation. No doubt angels earnestly
with poor, fallen, sin
urSed men.
3. The nature of the message wv.
O-1Q. 1t was good tidings of great i,
Oy. Surely this was gladstone mes n
age. 1t was good fittings because the "
arkneSS of heathendom which had for
D long covered the earth was begin I
ing to vanish. The casting out of S.
atan, the prince of the world, was
bout to take place. Liberty was now "
ION to be proclaimed to those who
ere in bondage. The way of saliva &
on was now about 10 be opened TO
L. No longer was the knowledge of
cd to be confined to the Jews, but
fered to the whole world. So glOri- o.
is was this good news that multi
de of the heavenly hosts appeared. OF
lining in the song of praise.
III. The Prompt Investigation of the III
lepherds wv. Is, 16). .
They did not stop TO argue or ques- ~
m, though no doubt these, things
emed passing strange to them. but
ey hastily went to Bethlehem where @
ey found everything just as repre- to
nted. They had the privilege Of. ~
st gazing upon the worlds Savior GO GO
: Lord of glory. They returned with p
altitude in their hearts, praising God
; all these wonderful Thugs Itch ~,
had revealed to them.
v. The Shepherds Witnessing wv. -
2O). to,
They could not remain silent. They IN
re impelled to tell the good news.
who have truly heard the good It'd an,
S of salvation through Jesus Christ col
st tell it to others. These shepherds 81
1t hack to their orl,snraiSino cod AM