THE K I NG ’ S BUSINESS
429
November, 1935
written before, and histories written after, signs in the heavens and signs in the earth —all unite in attestation that, in that filthy grotto, we find the radiant center of the world. As we approach the Christmas time, let us ask ourselves what worship really is. Let us look at the origin of the word. It is an old Anglo-Saxon word, originally weorthscipe or “worthy-ship.” Thus we see that the very act of our worship is rooted in the Lord’s “worth-ship,” for is not worship that adoration of the heart which goes out to Him who alone is worthy? Note the relation thus set forth in Revelation 5 :2, 9, 12: “Who is wor thy” ? “ Thou art worthy . . , for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation . . . Worthy is the Lamb.” Why is He worthy ? The heavenly hosts proclaim Him as “ worthy,” not be cause o f His teaching or preaching, though “never man spake like this man” ; nor because of His miracles or philan thropic acts, wonderful and kind as they were. But Jesus Christ is supremely worthy of all homage because He, the Creator, became likewise the Saviour, the Redeemer. Let us render to Him that which is His due. Suggestions on Daily Readings I. T he C all to W orship (Psa. 95 :6, 7). Some may a s k “What may be the rea son that prayer and intercession are not a greater joy and delight?” . . . The chief answer is undoubtedly: We know God too little. In our prayer, His presence is not waited for as the chief thing on which our heart is set. And yet it should be so. We think mostly o f ourselves, our need, and weakness, our desire and prayer. But we forget that in every prayer God must be First, must be All. To seek Him, to find Him, to tarry in His presence^ to be as sured that His Holy Presence rests upon us, that He actually listens to what we say, and is working in us—it is this alone that gives the inspiration that makes prayer as natural and easy to us as is the inter course of a child with his father. — A ndrew M urray , in God’s Best■Secrets. II. W orship C hrist (Matt. 2:11). When I come “even unto Bethlehem” with its lowing oxen, its straw and its man ger, and behold a helpless Babe, my soul is too perplexed for words . . . I hear a Babe’s cry and see a little cheek dewy with tears, and my heart melts within me. I see the shepherds come, and deep down in my heart re-echoes like some mighty organ music, the angels’ message, “ For un to, you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” And when I see the wise men bring their gifts and worship, my one dominating desire is to bring a gift wor thy my God. But what can I bring unto the One to whom all things belong? And if all the glory my mind can picture were mine to give, what a useless gift to the God who emptied Himself of a glory too great for my mind to fathom, too dazzling for my eye to behold 1 No, there is only one gift worthy of giving—that is mine to give—undying love, unbroken allegiance, ceaseless praise.— A nna J. L indgren , in With Him. III. W orship I s J oyful (Psa. 100:1, 2). The original word [a “joyful noise” ] signifies a glad shout, such as loyal sub-
And what a name was given! “Emman uel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” On the cross, Jesus Christ became ■“ God fo r us,” but during His life, in His person He was “ God with us.” Today, by our faith in Him, He is “ God with us,” for He is the omnipresent One. Does His abiding and indwelling Presence charge our lives with power, flood our pathway with light? Is every day a walk in the sweetness of His fellowship? Is He our Immanuel ? Illustrations for the Leader 1. R oom for J esus One night I dreamed I was a guest That night in Bethlehem town, Where He was born, who gave to it Its famous world renown; And safe I slept within the inn, That quiet, starlit night, While in the stable near there shone The world’s eternal Light. And in the morn my host Tevealed The story of His birth, T o us, his guests, who sat and heard, And feasted on our mirth ; But one inquired, in thoughtful mood, Why shelter was denied ; “ There was no room within the inn,” Our genial host replied. Up spoke I then to them, and said, “If I had only known, They might have had my room last night In little Bethlehem town.” Then I awoke ; and now I know The Prince of Peace is come And needs a place within my heart— Will I now give Him room? — C larence M. S heldon . II. C hristmas T ime It’s joy-time and love-time and time for giving things With all the golden-heartedness of one who, giving, sings; It’s time to bow in reverence before a manger low T o bring the Babe the finest things that loyal hearts can know : The gold of crystal purity in life and word and thought; The frankincense of breathing prayer with ' sweetest odor fraught ; The sacrificial myrrh that glories in each little loss If only it may lead the heart to better love the cross. It’s time to pause and. listen and thé inner whisper heed, To take the Glorious Gift Himself to meêf our every need. Oh beautiful and praiseful the boon that Christmas brings-^ This joy-time and love-time and time for giving things ! — O pal L eonore G ibbs . DECEMBER 22, 1935 WISE MEN WORSHIP M atthew 2:1-11 Meditation on the Lesson Thinking upon the Scripture given for the lesson, one writer has said: “The Magi from the East did neither an idolatrous, an ignoble, nor an idle deed when they worshiped the Babe o f Bethle hem. Promises and prophecies, histories
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“ Glendale Presbyterian Church has WheaUm College on its budget, thus ex pressing faith in its scholastic standing and fundamental Christian position. As pastor of this, the eighth largest Presby terian Church of the nation, 1 endorse unqualifiedly this *second to none* among Christian colleges in this country.** R ev . W . E. E dmonds , D . D ., Pastor Glendale (Calif.) Presbyterian Church 2N “Unqualifiedly”— O NE of the sources of the finan cial strength of Wheaton Col lege, under God, is the almost uni versal and unqualified approval of lovers of the Book throughout this and other lands. Because Wheaton has always stood sanely for the right things, she still moves forward even in times of economic uncertainty. A life annuity contract with Wheaton College does not fluctuate in value; cannot become lost, attached, or garnisheed; is burglar proof, because worthless in other hands; and yields elderly persons a higher rate of return than any other first-class security. Write at once for full details. V ice P resident ’ s O ffice B ox KB 1135. Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. Please tell me, without obligation, how I may provide an income for life, for myself or a m e a f o n Name. (Sbflgqe Street......................................... L mm
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