Sunday Column.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 December 1912, Page 4

Sunday Column.

(By Rev. Hydo.)

Miatt. 2; 11 and 12.—"And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts, gold andi frankincense and myrrli. . . . They departed into their own country another way." The attention of tlio civilized world at this time is centered on tho great event twenty centuries ago, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The people of His day little thought that this was tho babe who was going to give the world the greatest uplift it has had during its history. To enter any civilized town is to see monuments erected in His honour. Churches, etc., where all may meet together and join in worship of the King of Kings. Thousands of men and -women count it the privilege of their lives to be able to give of'their time and money j in spreading tho kingdom of God j anl making better known Jesus tho Redeemer. Jst before the coming of the wise men, referred to in the text, there appeared in the heaven/? an angel with" a message to tell them of the glad tidings and then to he suro of the right path, the star arose to guide them right to the feet of Him, who was indeed Emanuel—God with us. The Coming to Jesus. ' Jesus is beautiful to many of us at any period of His history; but to some at loast Ho is most beautiful as the Babe of Bothleliem. There is something about the helplessness and purity of a child that calls forth the best that is in ns. If we don't love children, then its quite possible we love no one. The most unlikely poison will exhibit tenderness and love when dealing with children. The wise men in coming to Jos us were led by tho Star. Whoever would come to Jesii6 will always have a star to guide them aright. Some have tried to find Christ by grovelling in the dirt when they should have looked up, for behold the star was there .. He did not leave us comfortless when he departed, but the Holy Spirit came to watch and guide us into all truth and especially the great truth that Jesus is the Christ. Some have wanted to seek Hm but did not do their part. God will do His part, you must do yours. Do you not notice that it was not until the shepherds moved forward that the star advanced. If it had have advanced jvhen they stood still they would have soon lost sight of it. If you would get to Bethlehem and find Jesus, then you must move on and ever look up and watch the stai\ If you do this there comes a time when the star stops. God can only do so much for you. Guided by His Spirt He brings you to tho very feet of Jesus, but if you would be free you must act, and offer unto Him vour gifts. „ During the year that has almost gone God's spirit and truth has been leading you on. I know your journey with the shepherds has been across desert places and burning sand. . I know the refreshing and rest you have longed for lias not always come. I know that tho following of tho star has cost 'you more than many of your friends think or know. But bretheren tHe journey is past. It is but a memory. Once more you are at Xmas and the star has .stopped. I want to know to-night will you offer Him your gifts? Many during the year have offered Him their gifte. Now God has led you into the presence of His Son, will you do what the wise men did? "They opened their treasures and offered unto Him gifts." Their Gifts. SOlllO when they come to Jeeutonly offer their burdens. God only knows how some of vis would get J along if wo had not trusted loved ones to confide in, and" on whom we could put a part of life's load. But while wo love them so much wo would not always desire to share our burdens, but also our treasures. Mothers may need nothing from their children, but the little gifts at this time of the year gladden thoir hearts simply because the gift is a token of,the giver's love. Jesus desires nothing from us Tor its owr sake, but it well pleasing to Hin. that we offer our gifts. They offered gold. They gave of their substance. Aro wo all clear on this matter? We find time and money and energy for anything else. Do we always find it for the Master? Do you give what you don't want, or what you can spare without sacrifice, or do you give something that costs something? Remember your gifts to Jesus have their true value put 011 thoui, and they are only just so valuable as they cost you in realsacrifice and love. Its a good thing when we give of our treasures. They gave frankincense. This is "free-burning and cleansing." The emblem of constant adoring love. All of your brightest and best hopes you consecrate to Him. If you had ambitions before you came to Jesus,' you have them still but ivith a different motive. Before it was for self, now it is for Christ. When all earthly stores are laid at' the Master's feet, to give Him frankincense is the next most natural thing. And they offered unto Him myrrh This is the emblem of bitterness, suffering and death. Have you died to the world for the Saviour? Has all (selfish aim been set aside. When a man bows at tho Master's feet and offers all lie has, and life-long love

fand service, even unto death, then God will use Him. If to-day you were called to lay down your life foi i Him, would you do it? If not then i you have not fully laid your gifts. at His feet. The After Life. "They departed into their own •ountry another way." 'Herod "lived 011 the old path they had come, and to return the same way was to walk into danger. Luke says they returned glorifying and praising God. No one ever returns any other way whwen once they have come and offered their , gifts. Many a soul is lost just when it ought to be saved because they think it is safe to try and walk the old path after coming to Jesus. The shepherds i were warned and heeded; others are warned and do not take heed. Murk the man who came and offered his gifts and still returned the old way, an dno douht you wil lsoon notice that he has fallen. When once you have really offered your treasures the old path is never the same. As a Christian it is. filled with a new light and a new interest. If you walk it, as ia backslider sin is never quite so comfortable ias it was before you came to Jesus. May the Holy S'pirti of the Lord lighten every reader at this time to forsake the old path and walk in the new. Give to Him your gifts and He will give unto you eternal life.