THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NESS
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Matt. 1:1 with Gen. 12:3; Ps. 132:11); under the promised condition (Isa. 7: 14); in the appointed way (Isa. 9 :6 ); and with the promised reception (Comp. Isa. 60:6 with Matt. 2:11). Other ref erences might be given. These will show your girls that Christ’s birth was not the coming into the world of an ordinary child, but that “ the birth was on this wise,” (Matt. 1:1-18) altogether unlike any and all who had come before. Truly this was God in the sec ond person of the Trinity whom proph ets for centuries had foretold. The heralding of this host of angels reveals the attitude of heaven toward this wonderful event. There was glad ness in heaven for the inhabitants of earth. Observe their song: (1) Glory to God. (2) Peace. Peace describes in a word what all the earth is seeking. We rush here and there, getting an educa tion, developing our talent, having a good time, trying to find peace. God has constituted us so that these things will not satisfy us in order that we may seek Christ. Christ is peace. Having Him we have peace. If any girl is rest less let her do as the shepherds did, go and see for herself, (v. 15.) That which had been, their duty gave way to their supreme duty-—finding Jesus. The finding of Christ should take precedence in every life over all else. Some people have “ no room” in their lives for Jesus. The shepherds made haste to find Him. There is no time to be lost if you have not found Him. Tomorrow may be too late. Satan may harden your heart so that you will have no desire. When they found Him they "made known abroad.” If you’ve found Jesus you’ll tell it; by your smile; your dress; the books you read; the places you go; the friends you choose. Somehow peo ple will know. On Christmas Day when you are giv ing to your friends, Jesus longs for a gift from you. Would the friend who
woman, a beautiful girl, riding upon a donkey, and a man walking leading it. She looked oh so weary for they had traveled a long way from Nazareth. He leaves her to arrange for lodging. They couldn’t engage rooms in advance, for there were no railroads or telegraphs then. To what did Mary and Joseph resort after thé disheartening word that “ there was no room for them in the inn?” In what kind of stable was Christ born? Why were shepherds in fields at night? Had we the announcing that God was coming to earth w e . doubtless would have sent the angel to the mayor, the wealthiest citizen, or at least the pastor of Bethlehem. Why God gave the sec ret first to the shepherds we do not know. The text says they were “ keep ing watch.” Their work was humble, wearisome and dangerous, yet they were not shirking it. Perhaps God would teach us that He does not despise the common folks nor the lowly and ordinary tasks. Man^had wandered away from God. God was lonesome. So He came down in human form to live alongside of man to draw him to Himself. Christ’s name is Immanuel, “ God with us.” (Matt. 1:23). Observe the angels’ message, not “ I bring good tidings,” but “ I bring you good tidings.” Jesus is for everyone. Not a person excepted, good, bad, rich, poor, black, white. The pity is thou sands in Africa, India, and China are still living in darkness and sin because they have not yet heard of Jesus. These shepherds “ made known abroad” (v. 17) the tidings. Why have we Christians not passed the good news on?' Why was Jesus born in the city of David? How is Jesus our Saviour? (Matt. 1:21). Notice that Christ was not a man who became our Saviour, but that He was bom our Saviour. Christ was born in the appointed place (cf.
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