Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1925-12-18
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
SurndaySclool
' Lesson
(By REV. p. b. FITZwATER. DID, Dean
of the Evening School. Moody Bible In
stitute OF Chicago.)
Co. 1925, Western Newspaper Union)
Lesson for December 20
CHRISTMAS LESSON

LESSON TEXT-Matt. 2:1-15.
GOLDEN TEXT-"For unto you Is
born this day in the city of David,
Savior, which is Christ the Lord
Luke 2:11.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Wise Men Visit
the Baby Jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIC-wise Men Follow
the Star.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-The Christmas Spirit.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-The Prince of Peace.
Note: For this Sundays lesson the
lesson committee has given us an OPP
ton of a Christmas lesson or sum-
mary of Paul's life. 1t is presumed
that most teachers will prefer the
Christmas lesson since Paul has been
the central figure for six months.
!. The Wise Men Seeking Jesus wv.
1:2).
These wise men who sought Jesus
were either Arabian or Persian as
trologers, students of the stars. The
appearance of an unusual star attract
ed their attention. Perhaps they were
acquainted with the famous prophecy
of Balaam (Num. PAID. Doubtless
through the influence of the Jews who
remained in Chaldea, or the direct in
fiuence of Daniel extending to this
time, they had become acquainted with
the hope OF Messiah. The light they
had was dim, but they lived up to the
best they had We learn from them:
l. That All True Wisdom Leads to
the Savior, for He Is the Fullness of
Wisdom.
2. That Gods Word Shall Not Re
turn Unto Him Void lisa. 80 III.
The seed cast upon the Eastern wa
tiers brought forth fruit after many
days. This ought to bring confidence
to many ministers and Sunday school
teachers who have not as yet seen the
| fruit of their labors.
3. The Grace of God Calls Men
From Unexpected Quarters.
Some who have the least opportuni-
ties give the greatest honor to Christ,
while others, blessed with the richest
opportunities, shut Him out.
II. Herod Seeking to Kill Jesus wv.
3-S).
The news brought by the wise men
struck terror to Herod's heart. He
was not alone in this for all Jerusa-
lem was troubled with him. A glimpse
at the social customs in and about
Jerusalem in that day will enable us
to understand why this news brought
uneasiness to the people. They were
living in the greatest luxury. Beauti-
| full apparel, sumptuous feasts, palatial
houses, etc, led to gross immortality.
We can thus readily see why Herod
and all Jerusalem should be troubled.
| They did not want a Savior who would
save them from their sins; they want
ed to continue in them. Herod de-
manded of the priests and scribes in
formation as to where Christ should
be born. They were soon able to tell
him. These people had a technical
knowledge of the Scriptures, but had
no heart for the Savior as set forth
therein. Conditions much like these
prevail today. This reception of the
| Savior shows that perverseness of
| heart is the cause of so many being in
different to Christ, and of their oppo-
sition to Him when His claims are pre-
scented. 1t is true today that the lux
uries of wealth, the frivolities of the
fashion-lovers, and the gross immorali-
ties to which these lead, make Jesus
| Christ unwelcome in many quarters.
n
The wise men, having obtained the
desired information, started immedi-
ately to find Jesus. AS soon as they
left the city the star which had guided
them from the East appeared again to
lead them on-not that it had disap-
peared from the sky, but no doubt the
city buildings shut out its light. The
star guided them to the place where
Jesus was. When they found Him they
worshiped Him. In this they displayed
true faith. They did not see any
miracle, only a babe, yet they wor-
SHIPPED Him as king. Blessed are they
that have not seen and yet have be
lieved (John 20 :29). Note Gods over
ruling providence in all this. Many
hundred years before the prophet had
said that Christ should come from
Bethlehem (Micah. 5 ~. God so ordered
affairs that Mary should be brought TO
that city to give birth to Christ. Let
us be assured that nothing can thwart
the divine purpose. God so ordered
that these men should depart another
way. thereby defeating Herod's wicked
purpose. Through these wise men the
Lord gave gifts into the hands of Jo-
seph and Mary before their going to
Egypt. Doubtless this served a good
purpose In meeting their expenses dur
ing their stay there. Truly all things
work together for good to them that
love God (Rom 1929.
T.G-