The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-12-22

Sunday Sehooi Lesson 1of De-
cember %. a.,
l.. Scripture: Matthew 2:1-l2.
For Christmas Day no story is
more appropriate than that of the
Wise Mems visit to the Babe of
Bethlehem. Their visit was first
matter of international concern:
1t showed the general expectation
that world ruler was to arise
among the Jews; and it nightly
stirred Herod the king and his
capital. But its spiritual aspects
supersede all else: Prophecy was
fulfilled: the star guided; the
Magi worshiped and sacrificed;
and the divine dream led them d.
rectly, home. ......,
SEEKING THE SAVIOUR
Matt. 2:l-S) -. -.
From the East to Jerusalem
came the Wise Men seeking the
Saviour. The. family was living
not in the stable where Jesus was
born, but in "a house." probably
expecting to make their home in
Bethlehem, which was six miles
south of Jerusalem and 4 city
with sacred memories Of David,
Ruth, and Rachel. u.. .r...
g, The Wise Men were not kings
but, more than astronomers OF as
trologers; they were very learn
ed and they must have been de-
yout. They shared the view that
a great delivercl. was to rise and
right all the wrongs of the world.
With this hope flaming III them
hearts they scanned the heavens
for guidance. At last they dis
ccrned "his star"-possibly plane
tary conjunction or comet OF lg-
milton Of dead worlds by COLI
sion, but certainly miracle =
and they determined to follow its
leading. So from their homes in
the East-Babylon on farther,
and from one city or different
countries-they made the long
overland journey to Jerusalem.
Their inquiry upon arrival was
enough to exicte general interest.
The king of the Jews, now babe
in some mothers arms, his star
calling them out Of the East, their
tedious trip made to do him hom-
age-where is his birthplace? The
capital ought to know. But Her
cd the Great was on the throne,
vassal king under Rome. An
Idumean politician, strong but
sinister, vigorous but excessively
wicked, he could brook no thought
of a rival.
He called the Sanhedrin togcth-
er and learned from them that
the expected Messiah should be
born in Bethlehem. Then he ,pri-
vately summoned the Wise Men
and learned from them when the
star appeared. He thus knew the
time and place of Jesus birth,
two important items, basing his
cruel order for the massacre OF
the children little later. But to
be sure that the alleged claimant
to his throne should not escape,
Herod commanded the Wise Men
to search concerning the child
and report to him.. -
SEEKING THE SAVIOUR ~,
(Matt. 2:9-1l),
From Jerusalem to Bethlehem
went the Wise Men to reach their
goal of seeing the Saviour. They
travelled by night the six miles
to Bethlehem, the star reappear-
ing to their great JOY and guild
ing them directly to Jesus. With
out moments delay they went
into the house Of Joseph and
Mary, saw the Babe and his moths
er, fell down in more than forr
nal homage and worshiped Jesus,
pouring out at his feet their gold
and frankincense and myrrh.
Pause here for. a moment of
meditation. ....... anv. ,rs. r
% Consider Christ and Wis
dom. To him came the Wise Men
from the East. At his feet they
bowed in reverence and worship.
He is the source. and center Of
all wisdom. d., . st ..,.t....l
(2) Consider Christ and Wealth.
That was beautiful thing for
the Wise Men to do. But lit was
the right thing. h Jesus deserves
not only our best but sour all.
Withheld From him not mite Of
our money, nor a strand of our
strength, nor a moment of our
time.
Ga Consider Christ and Wor-
ship, When the rich princes of the
East fell, in 4adoSinE worship at
! the feet off thes infant Christ
there was nothing incongruous
about the. reverential act. He was