Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1921-12-23
LESSON FOR DECEMBER rs
CHRISTMAS LESSoN--THE VISIT
OF THE WISE MEN.

GOLDEN TEX3-Ahd when they had
opened their treasures they presented
unto him gifts: gold and frankincense
and myrrh.-Matt. 2:ll
PRIMARY TopIC-Wise Men Visit the
Baby Jesus.
JUNIOR ToPlC-The Wise Men and
the Star.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
The First Christmas.
| YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
The Most Joy pus Day In the Year.
I. The king Earnestly Sought wv.
l, p.
These Wise Men who sought Jesus
were either Arabian or Persian as
rologers--students Of the stars. The
appearance Vt an unusual star at
tracted their attention. Perhaps
they were acquainted with the famous
prophecy of Balaam (Num. "a 40.
Doubtless through the influence Of the
Jews who remained In Chaldea, or tire
direct influence Of Daniel extending
to this time. they had become ac-
quaInted with the hope Of a Messiah.
The light they had was dim, but they
lived up to the best they had. To
those who &C. upon the best light
they have, God always gives more.
To those who refuse to act upon the
knowledge given, God not only re.
fuses to give more, but brings Into
confusion that which they already
possess Matt. rs :2S). These men
were really wise. Let US learn from
them
/. That oil true wisdom leads to
the Savior, fer He Is the LOgos-the
fulness Of wisdom.
>. That Coda Word shall not return
unto him void Elsa. 55:1D. The seeds
cast upon the waters Of the East
brought forth fruit after many days.
No work done for the Lord eventually
fails.
3. The grace Of God calls men from
unexpected quarters. Some who have
the least opportunities give the great
est honors to Christ; while Others,
blessed with the richest opportunities
shut Him out.
u. Herod Seeking to XIII the King
(vv 3-8).
The news brought by the Wise Men
struck terror to Herods heart. He
was not alone In this, for all Jerusalem
was troubled with him. The news
ought to have brought Joy. A glimpse
at the social customs In and about
Jerusalem at that day will enable us
to understand why this news brought
uneasiness to the people. They were
living In the greatest luxury. Fine
dresses, sumptlous feasts. fine houses,
etc, led to gross immorallties. They
did not want Savior who would
save them from their sins-they
wanted to continue In them. Herod
demanded Of the priests md scribes
information as to where Christ should |
be born. They soon were able to tell |
him. These people had technical
knowledge of the Scriptures, but had
no heart for the Savior set forth
therein. They had no disposition to
seek Him. This all occurred In Jeru.
salem, the city Of the King-the place
Of all places where He should have
been welcomed. II seems where the |
greatest privileges are, there is the
greatest Indifference shown as to
spiritual matters. Where the light |
once shone the brightest, the densest
darkness now reigns. 1t is true today
that the righteousness. Of the wealthy, |
the frivolitles Of the fashion.loving
and the gross immoralIties TO which |
they lead, make Jesus Christ unwel.
come In many quarters.
III. The King Found wv. 9-12).
The Wise Men having obtained the de.
sired information, started Immediately
to find the King. Az soon as hey left
the city. the star which had guided
them from the East appeared again
to lead them on. Not that It had
disappeared from the sky, but the
dwellings Of the city. no doubt, shut
out the sight Of 1t. 0ftentimes our
spiritual vision Is obscured or hidden
by the things Of this world. The star
guided them to the place where the
Christ was. Those who earnestly
seek Jesus shall find Him. though all
hell oppose. When they found Him
they worshiped Him. In this they
displayed true faith, They did not
see any miracles, only babe, yet
they worshlped Him as King. Blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet
have believed" John 20:29). Note
Gods overruling providence In all
this. Many hundred years before, the
prophet said thnt Christ should come
from Bethlehem (Mlcah 5:2). God 30
ordered affairs that Mary should be
brought to that city to give birth to
Christ. God 30 ordered that these
men should depart another way, there
by defeating Herod's wicked purpose.
The Lord put gifts into the hands Of
Joseph and Mary before going TO
Egypt. Doubtless this served a good
purpose In meeting their expenses dur.
ing their stay there. Truly "All things
work together fer coed to them that
love Cod" from. 8:2S).