Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1939-12-21
Cfeafrled q N
Comments MN
> On S. RNN
Lesson M Mswyt N

Matthew 1895; 1915; 1918
16, for Sunday, Dec 26, 1889:
In the Christmas part of this les
son we see Gods plan Of salvation
in the birth Of Christ as a holy
child; the other parts of the lesson
exalt childhood and point the way
V. 49, '.Now the birth of Jesus
Christ was on this wise; when his
mother Mary was eSpOused to JOS
eph, before they came together, she
was found with child of the Holy
Ghost Jesus with a supernatural
birth became the supernatural Je-
sus.
VS.. 19, 20. 'eThen Joseph her
husband, being just man, and not
willing to make her public exam
pie, was minded to put her away
privily. But while he thought on
these things, behold, an angel of the
Lord appeared unto him in dream,
saying, Joseph, thou SON of David.
wife; for that which is conceived in
her is Of the Holy Ghost Joseph's
character was above question as was
Mary's. Not knowing how God
planned a Saviour, he thought pro-
foundly how he should protect the
good name of Mary and with such a
holy motive God reyealed d. the he ~ need, ns q
made the first consideration, help
e' '. Il. .0 '.And she shall bring
forth a son, and thou shalt call his
name Jesus; for he shsl1 save his
people from their sins. The big
idea is Jesus" and he shall save
the people from their sins. Jesus
them; by giving the Holy Spirit tol
renew them; by his power. in en-
abling them to overcome their spir-
itual enemies; in defending them
from danger; in guidance in paths
Of duty. in sustaining them in trials
VS.. %, 23. "Now all this was
done, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by
the prophet Matthew insists on
connecting present facts with thel
scriptures held sacred by the Jews
for he is writing for them especial |
ly. Gods plan is process of reve- |
lation passing from the known toI
VS.. "a, rs. 'Then Joseph, being
raised from sleep, did as the angel
of the Lord had hidden him. and
took unto him his wife" God would
make marriage and home sacred
thing. The standard of nation is
known by the sacredness of home
and holy wedlock.
v. 1. ''At the same time came
the disciples unto Jesus, saying,
Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven The disciples had the
wrong conception Of the kingdom
They thought it was an opportuni-
ty for honor and prestige.
vs.. 2, 3. "And Jesus called.
in the midst of them, and said, ver-
lily | say unto you, eXcept we he
and become as little chill
dren, We shall not enter into the
kingdom Of heaven Jesus some
times taught by symbolic action as
in this case for the lesson of con
version was most important; it is
who stress Christian culture as the
way, may combine with it Christ's
plan of making place in life forl
acknowledgment of Christ as per
sonal Saviour. stressing the quail
ties of child as essential char
acteristics of child of God.
vs. 4; s "WhosoHyer Ri9so,f the 1herefore 1itt1e
child. the same is the greatest in
the kingdom Of heaven. And whoso
shall receive one such little child in
my name receiveth me- True great
ness is found III true humility and
out of true humility will flow lovel
Tor the needy ana especially lot tue
helpless child. and in that lovel
Christ will be found.
v. 6. "But whose shall offend
one of these little ones which be-
ieve in me, it were better for him
If a milestone were hanged about
MS neck, and that he were drowned
in the depth of the sea- 1t is not
a question whether doing somethingl
not quite right harms us, but theI
harm it may do to others who like a
child are not able to walk alone and
need encouragem and the in
1uence of good example, that isl
he question.
V. 13 Then were there brought
% him little children, that he should
put his hands on them. and pray; |
md the disciple rebuked them. Par
snts who are interested to the place
If bringing their children into the
presence of God are to be commend
I'd.
VS.. IA, Is. "But Jesus said. Suf--I
'er the little children, and forbid
hem not, to come unto me; for OF
such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he laid his hands on them and
blessed them" Here Jesus recog-
liZed the rightful place of child.
There is No child horn that is lost 1ni