The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1921-12-24

opened their treasures they present,
unto him gifts; gold and frankincen
and myrrh.-Matt. 2:Il.
, PRIMARY TOPIC-Wise Men Visit Il
Baby Jesus
JUNIOR TOPIC-The Wise Men an
the Star
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPI
The First Christmas.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPI
The Most Joyous Day in the Year.
I. The King Earnestly Sought wv
I, p.
These Wise Men who sought Jesu
were either Arabian or Persian as
trolOgers-students of the stars. TIL,
appearance of an unusual star at
tracted their attention. Perhap.
they were acquainted with the famou:
prophecy of BALKAN (Num. PAID
Doubtless through the influence of the
Jews who remained in Chaldea, or the
direct influence of Daniel extending
10 this time, they had become ac-
quainted with the hope of Messiah.
The light they had was dim, but they
iived up to the best they had. To
those who act upon the best light
they have, God always gives more.
10 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. 25 :2S). These men
were really wise. Let us learn from
them:
L. That all true wisdom leads to
the Savior, for He is the Logos-the
fitness Of wisdom.
2. That Gods 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.
.. The grace Of God calls men from
quarters. Some who have
Inc least opportunities give the great
est honors to Christ; while others.
blessed with the richest opportunities,
'hut Him out.
u. Herod Seeking to Kill the kino
Wv. 3-S).
The news brought by the Wise Men
truck terror to Herod's heart. He
vas not alone In this, for all Jerusalem
vas troubled with him. The news
ught to have brought joy. A glimpse
I the social customs in and about
erusalem at that day will enable us
D understand why this news brought
neasiness to the people. They were
wing In the greatest luxury. Fine
resses, sumptuous feasts, fine houses.
G, led TO gross immOralities. They
ID not want a Savior who would "A
I've them from their sins-tbev n
anted to continue In them. Herod =
of the priests and scribes
formation as to where Christ should
porn. They soon were able TO tell Z
IN. These people had technical
lowledge of the Scriptures. but had m
heart for the Savior set forth
erein. They had no disposition TO CT
FIX Him. This all occurred in Jeru. IN
lem' the city of the King-the place III
all places where He should have tr
en- welcomed. 1t seems where tho
latest privileges are, there is the or
'atest indifference shown as IN re
ritual matters. Where the light III
'e shone the brightest, the densest =
'kness now reigns. 1t is true toda, en-
t the luxuriousness of the waaI+hv pu
frvolities of the fashion-loyins -
the gross immoralities TO which Y
y lead, make Jesus Christ unwel. Y
ne In many quarters. Y
u. The King Found wv. a12, X
ne Wise Men having obtained the do. K
q Information, started immediatelv K
IND the King. AS soon as they Ief,
city, the star which had euidad 1
n from the East appeared again
lead them on. Not that It had
appeared from the sky. but the {
ilings OF the city, no doubt sbut
the sight Of it. Oftentimes our
ltual vision Is obscured or hidden !
ne things Of this world. The star I,
ed them to the place where the IA
ST was. Those who earnestIv
1esgs shall find Him, though al,
oppose. When they found Him
worshiped Him. In this tbev
aged true faith. They did NOT
any miracles, only a babe. vet
worshiped Him as King. Blessed I
lhey that have not seen. and vot
believed (John 2O:29). Note
overruling providence in all \
Many hundred years before tho \
let said that Christ should come
bethlehem micah 5 10y. God 90
ed affairs that Mary should no
INT to that city to give birth ~
.. God so ordered that tbasa
should depart another way, there. -
treating Herod's wicked purnose
LORD put gifts into the hands 30
n and Mary before going 70 goo.
: Doubtless this served a COCA SC
Sc In meeting their expenses dur- ri
elr stay there. Truly IAN things 81
together for good to them that 81
iod.' (Rom. 1929. 81