Grainger County news. (Rutledge, Tenn.) 1917-current, 1921-12-21
LEssoE FoR DECEMBER rs


LESSON rExr--Malt s:f-ia
GOLDEN TExv-ssAd when tasy hsA
opened their treasures thAy presented
unto him sits; sold ana fraakineense
ard myrrA. Matt 2.lI.
PRIMARY rOPIC-whs Nan Visit the
Baby Jesus.
JUNIOR roPrc-aas wiss Mem aad
the Star.
INTERMEDIATES AND SENIOR TOPIC
THE E1rst Christmas.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TUFTc
Tho Most Joyous Day 10 the Year.
I. The King EatnsssIy sought tvv.
1. p.
These Wise Men who sought Jes1s
we're either Arabian or Persian as.
trOIOgers- Of the stars. The
appearance Of an unusual star at
tracted their attention. Perhaps
they were acquainted with the famous
prophecy Of BALKAN (Numl PAID.
Doubtless through the influence Of the
Jews who remained In Chaldea. or the
direct influence Of Daniel extending
to this time, they had become ac-
quainted with the hope Of Messiah.
The light they had was dim, but they
lived up to the best they had. To
those who act upon the best light
they have. God always gives mere.
To those who refuse to act upon the
knowledge given, God not only re.
fuses to give more. bat brings int
confusion that which they already
possess tMatt. 20 :28). These men
were really wise. Let Us learn from
them:
1. That all true wisdom leads to
the Savior, for He Is the Logos--the
fitness Of wisdom.
.. That Gods Word shah not return
unto him void lisa. Sad. The seeds
east upon the waters OF the East
brought forth fruit after many days
No work done for the Lord eventually
fails.
8. 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.
II, Hsrea seeking 20 XIII the Kline
wv. S-s).
The news brought by the Wise Men
struck terror to Herod's 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 w
to understand why this news brought
uneasiness to the people. They were
living in the greatest luxury. Fine
dresses, sumptuous feasts, fine houses
ETC.. led to gross immorailties. They
did not want Savior who would
save them from their sins--they
wanted to continue In them. Herod
demanded Of the priests and sctbes
information as to where Christ should
be born. They soon were able to tell
him. These people had q 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 Jeri.
salem, the city of the Kfng--sie place
of all places where He should have
been welcomed. II seems where the
greatest privileges are, there Is the
greatest Indifference shown az to
| spiritual matters.
III. The King Found (yy. 9.f2).
The Wise Men having obtained the de-
sired Information, started immediately
to find the King. As soon rs they left
the city, the star which had guided
them frsm the East appeared asain
to lead then on. hot that It had
disappeared from the sky, but tine
dwellings Of the city, no doubt, shut
out the sight Of 1t. Oftentimes or
spiritual vision ID 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 shalt and Him. though all
he'll oppose. When, they found Him
they worshiped Him. In this they
displayed true faith. They did not
see any miracles, only babe, yet
they worshiped HIN as Hing. Blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet
have believed" John 20:2D). Note
Gods oyerruling providence In all
this. Many hundred years before, the
prophet said that Christ should come
from Bethlehem Micah 5:2). God so
ordered affairs that Mary should be
brought to that city to give birth to
Christ. God so 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 "An things
work together for good TO them that
love Q0d,n (Rom. S:28}.