It matters not where we are born if we are born of God. That is the great thing to look to.

II. His Mother.-She was of the house of David. That was necessary, for it was foretold that the Messiah should be descended from David. (See Isaiah xi. 1, and many other similar prophecies.) But Mary was poor,-not like one of the royal line. We do not know what the position of her parents was, but she was espoused to Joseph, also of the house of David, but simply a carpenter, earning his bread by the sweat of his brow. Note this carefully. When the Son of God was to appear He did not appear among the great and the mighty, but among the poor and the lowly. Paul tells us, "He humbled himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant," (Phil. ii. 7.) Here, in this lesson, you have evidence of this lowering, humbling of himself. Gabriel is sent to a small, sequestered, country village, to an unknown and unheard-of maiden, living quietly, all unconscious of the honour in store for her, and preparing for a simple marriage with a man of humble origin, but pious like herself; for Joseph was a just man, and a tender-hearted man, (Matt. i. 19.)

III.-The Annunciation. (ver. 28-37.)-In which note these things: (a.) Mary was a humble village girl; but she was highly honoured, highly favoured, blessed among women. In what one respect ?-In being chosen by God to be the mother of our Lord. There could be no higher honour than this, save to be redeemed by that same Lord. But neither here nor anywhere else do we read of Mary being an object of adoration. No hint of any such thing is given anywhere in Scripture. Make this clear. She acknowledges her Son to be her Saviour, (ver. 47.) Jesus refuses to allow her to interfere with His special work, (John ii. 4.) He exalts every true disciple to the same position as His mother, (Matt. xii. 46-50.)

(b.) Her Son was to be called Jesus. Why?-See Matthew i. 21. Jesus means Saviour. To save was to be His great work. To save whom?-His people. To save them from what?-Their sins. Who are His people?—All who have been saved from their sins. Have you been so saved?-Îf so, you are one of His people.

(c.) Though so humble in regard to His earthly origin, Jesus was to be a universal King, (ver. 32, 33.) Of His kingdom there would be no end. Here you have the wonderful combination-man, God, the God-man: a Man of Sorrows and an everlasting King. Both were needed-man to die, God to save and redeem. He was thus made what the Apostle calls, perfect as our Mediator, (Heb. ii. 10; v. 8. 9.)

(d.) Jesus was without sin-see verse 35, where the angel speaks of that holy thing that was to be born of Mary. Jesus was the sinless one. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. And being so, He could make atonement for sin-for the sins of others, having none of His own to atone for.

"I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God;

He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load."

IV. Mary's Faith, (ver. 38.)-She believes at once, and without any hesitation. Compare her with Zacharias. He doubted, and was struck dumb. Mary believed and trusted. She leaves herself in God's hands, like a little child. She can trust God: "Be it unto me according to thy word." That was enough for her. So ought we to trust God's Word.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 10.-Luke i. 33.

Subject to be proved-The Humble shall be Exalted.

Golden Text-"He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and kingdom there shall be no end."-Luke i. 33.

NOTES. "The house of Jacob" means God's people-His spiritual Israel. So our text asserts that Jesus is a King, and has a kingdom; and more, that He is an everlasting King, and that His kingdom differs from all other kingdoms, in that it shall never end. Compare Psalm xlv. 6, Rev. xi. 15. Note that this

was spoken of Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem-weakness and infinite glory combined. A helpless infant, and yet an everlasting King-the God-man. Immanuel-God with us. Who are His subjects ?-All who obey Him. Is He your king? Are you obeying Him?

Lesson 11.-March 18.

BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.-Luke i. 57-80.

I. Birth and Circumcision, (ver. 57-66.)-Go over this simple and exceedingly natural story, and note these things in connection with it:

(a.) God is a promise-keeping God, (ver. 57.) He promised Zacharias a son, and the son is born. So with all God's promises. They are all yea and amen. Select one or two as further illustrations of this truth. God's threatenings will also all come true.

(b.) We ought to rejoice in the good of our neighbour, (ver. 58.) The neighbours here came to rejoice with Elizabeth. Notice their piety. It was the Lord who had shewed mercy upon her. It is good to see God's hand in all things.

(c.) Circumcision was always performed on the eighth day after birth, (Gen. xvii. 12.) It seems to have been the custom to name the child on that occasion. The neighbours naturally thought that he should be called Zacharias; but his mother stated that his name was to be John. She remembered the angel's words, as given in verse 13 of this chapter. The matter was referred to his father. Explain what a writing table was, and why Zacharias needed one. They had no pens and ink, as we have. They frequently used boards covered over with a layer of wax very smooth, and they wrote on this somewhat after the manner of an engraver. Illustrate by the board of a book and a pencil.

(d.) The first use Zacharias made of his restored speech was to praise God, (ver. 64.) He had, no doubt, praised Him while he was dumb; but he could do so only, as it were, to himself. But now he can shew forth God's praises aloud, and he does so before all the people. This was a good thing. How often do men use speech to curse and blaspheme! They say our tongues are our own. it is not so. The tongue is God's instrument, to be used in His praise. "Ye are not your own."

But

(e.) God's purpose in all this, (ver. 65, 66.) To arrest the attention of men, and lead them to ponder on His ways. The neighbours laid these things up in their hearts; and, doubtless, when, thirty years afterwards, John appeared as the great preacher of righteousness, they would remember these things, and be all the more inclined to listen to John's message.

II. The Song of Zacharias, (ver. 67-79,)—in which note these things:

(a.) This is an inspired song, (ver. 67.) Zacharias spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. We have here, therefore, not the words of Zacharias, but God's words. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

(b.) He begins by ascribing glory to God, (ver. 68.) For what?-Because He had visited and redeemed His people. This is the substance of the song of the Church on earth, and of the Church in heaven, (Rev. v. 9-13.)

(c.) By whom had He redeemed His people? (ver. 69-75.) As a devout Jew, Zacharias had full faith in God's promises. He did not yet fully know their full meaning, but he knew enough to make him cling to them. And so he believes that the Redeemer was to be of the house of David, (ver. 69.) Compare, among other passages, Isaiah xi. 1. The work of this Redeemer-to save them from their enemies, (ver. 71.) Zacharias was looking at this as a Jew; but this is just Christ's work-to save us from all our enemies. Note the word all. Go over some of our enemies-Christ saves us from every one. What a fulness of blessing! The object of this redemption, (ver. 74, 75,) not merely our salvation, but that we should serve Him. How ?-Without fear. Not as slaves, but with the glad service of sonship. Fear hath torment; but perfect love casteth out fear. What kind of service is it to be? (ver. 75.)-A holy and righteous service.

Holiness is the very end of Christ's work. How long will the service last ?—All the days of our life. A blessed service-a faithful master-a great reward.

(d.) John's special work, (ver. 76-79.) He was to go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His way. We shall see soon how this was fulfilled. He was to give the knowledge of salvation to His people, by the remission of their sins. This was given dimly in the Old Testament rites and ceremonies; it was to be made fully known by Jesus Christ. The great Day-spring-the Son of Righteousness was about to rise, and He would give light. With verse 79 compare Acts xxvii. 18. Then note the last phrase of this hymn. It began by ascribing glory to God for His redemption work; it closes with "peace." Compare the remarkably parallel expression in chapter ii. 14. He is our peace.

III. John's Youth, (ver. 80.)-This verse contains all we know of him until the day of his shewing unto Israel,-i. e., till his public appearance at the age of thirty, as recorded in chapter iii. He seems to have lived a solitary life, given up to meditation and prayer; to have refrained from intercourse with his fellowmen-he came neither eating nor drinking, (Matt. xi. 18.) God had a great work for him to do, and this was, doubtless, his best preparation for it.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 11.-Luke i. 68.

Subject to be proved-God is to be Praised.

Golden Text-"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for He hath visited and redeemed His people.”—Luke i. 68.

NOTES.-Visited. Visit is a common word in the Bible to denote both mercy and judgment. Compare, for the first, Gen. 1. 24, 25; and for the second, Jeremiah v. 9. In our text it is a visit of mercy, of love to His people. In what does it consist ?-In redeeming them. Explain and illustrate the word by reference to Israel's deliverance from Egypt, of Zacharias when he spoke these words. judgment, but one of mercy. Think of this. broke out in praise of God. So ought we. whom Christ hath redeemed. Can you sing this new song?

which, doubtless, was in the mind The visit of Jesus was not one of When Zacharias thought of it, he So shall we, if we are among those Read the song of the redeemed, (Rev. v. 9, 10.)

Lesson 12.-March 25.

BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.-Luke ii. 1-20.

I. Jesus born in Bethlehem, (ver. 1-7,)—in which note these particulars:— (a.) Jesus must be born in Bethlehem, (Micah v. 2;) but His parents are poor working people, living far from Bethlehem, in the upland village of Nazareth. How shall His birth in Bethlehem be brought about? This is explained in the first three verses. To fulfil the prophecy regarding His birthplace, the whole machinery of the Roman empire must be set in motion. The Roman exchequer must be filled-fresh taxes must be imposed. To enable this to be done, a census of each province must be taken; for taxes were imposed according to the number of the population-not according to their wealth. In Palestine the census could be most easily taken by compelling the people to go to their own cities; and so Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem, and Jesus was born there. See how God accomplishes His purposes. Augustus had no thought that his edict was to have such issues. Learn the great lesson, that God overrules all things for His own purposes. Mighty political events can help on His kingdom; the smallest and most trivial thing can do so too. With God nothing is little.

(b.) The Lowliness of His Birth, (ver. 7.)-Bethlehem was full-people from every corner of the land were there the inn was full, and there was no room for Mary. So Jesus was born in a stable, and cradled in a manger. Dwell on this verse with the scholars. The Son of God comes to earth-at His very birth He had not where to lay His head. This simple verse contains the record of the most

wonderful event that this earth ever witnessed-the Word has become flesh. Notice, also, how little it appears to have been thought of. The birth of a child -that was all; and yet what a child-the Lord of Glory! The birth of Jesus that day in the stable has turned the world upside down; and the effects of that birth will be to win back a lost world to God.

.1

II. His Birth Announced, (ver. 8-20,)—in which note these things:(a.) To whom was the announcement first made ?-Not to kings, not to the high priest, not to the scribes; but to simple shepherds, who were quietly doing their work, all unconscious of the honour in store for them.

(b.) By whom was His birth announced ?-By an angel of the Lord. However unnoticed on earth, this birth was of great moment in heaven. It was an object of interest there. The angel came in glory. The whole plain was filled with light-it became clear as day.

(c.) The angel's tidings. The shepherds were naturally afraid when the glory of the Lord shone round about them. But the angel's first words reassured them -Fear not. Why were they not to fear?-Because he was the bearer of good tidings of great joy-not to them only, but to all people. Good tidings-i. e., just our word Gospel, which means good news. What was this good news-this Gospel ?-The birth of a Saviour. This is the great good news-the best news that ever reached this earth since Adam fell. Who is this Saviour ?-The infant sleeping in the manger of the little inn at Bethlehem. Aye, but who is this infant ?-Christ the Lord. He then gives them a sign in confirmation of his statements.

(d.) The angels' song. When the announcement has thus been made, there appeared in the sky a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. Note carefully the burden of their song. It begins with God, and then comes down to men. It begins by ascribing glory to God in the highest,-i. e., in the heavenlies, where God is. This birth will bring a rich harvest of glory to God. Note this. The work of Jesus is to glorify His Father. The work of salvation is to be the means of shewing forth God's glory in the heavenlies. Compare the remarkable expression in Ephes. iii. 10. But this birth is to bring peace on earth. Try and realize this word peace. Think of the unrest of the demoniac,-never at peace, moving restlessly, day and night, among the tombs. Jesus comes. You then find him sitting-at peace-at rest. Think of all the woes of this world-this heaving restless sea of misery. Jesus comes, and there is a great calm. Jesus is the great peace-maker. Then, finally, this birth is the expression of God's good will toward men. In it God is commending His love toward us. Think of the words good will. It is a common phrase among children-" he has an illwill at me. God wishes to shew us by this birth that He has good will toward men. Note the extent of His good will. Men-no limitation-a free full Gospel. Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.

(e.) Go over the story of the shepherds' visit to Bethlehem, and how they found exactly as the angel had foretold; then notice the effect upon them, and Mary's conduct. She was not puffed up. She pondered these things in her heart. See that we ponder them too.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 12.-Luke ii. 11.

Subject to be proved-Those who find Jesus speak of Him to Others.

Golden Text-"Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."-Luke ii. 11.

NOTES.-Explain City of David,-it was Bethlehem in Judah. Why called City of David? Why do the angels use this term?-Evidently to connect the event with the Old Testament prophecies-that the Messiah was to be of the house and lineage of David. Note the title Saviour, what it implies. Dwell on the words safe, save; and give illustrations of their meaning. A storm-a shipwreck-all hands saved. But this saving is something higher, better. What is it?-A saving from sin. Who is the Saviour ?-None other than Christ the Lord. What a wonder is here! Christ the Lord born in the city of

David. The Word made flesh. God manifest in the flesh. This was the angel's announcement. This was his estimate of Jesus. What think ye of Christ?

Lesson 13.-April 1.

THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.-Luke ii. 21-38.

I. Jesus was made under the Law, (ver. 21-24,)—in which note:(a.) On the eighth day He was, according to the law, circumcised. Remember Jesus was not only a man, He was also a Jew. "He took on Him the seed of Abraham," (Heb. ii. 16.) As a Jew He had to fulfil all righteousness. Note the name given Him, and why. Mary did not give Him this name. God gave it, (compare chap. i. 31 and Matt. i. 21.) Dwell upon the name Jesus: it means Saviour. Why was He so named ?-Because His great work was and is to SAVE. The Son of Man is come to seek and to SAVE that which is lost. He had many names, as the aspects of His work were many; but no name is so sweet as this. Go over some of His names. On none of them do we linger more fondly than on this. And then remember it was the name given Him by God before His birth. It must have been a name dear to God. How do you regard it?

(b.) Like any other child, He was presented before the Lord at the prescribed time. Go back over the story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The first-born were slain, but Israel was saved. To commemorate that great deliverance, every first-born male was consecrated to God. (Compare Exod. xiii. 1, 2.) Jesus was no exception; He was presented to the Lord. This presentation took place when He was forty days old; and certain sacrifices had to be offered. (Compare Lev. xii., in which note, that in verse 8 provision is made for those who were poor.) Now we learn from verse 24 of our lesson, that Mary could offer only the sacrifice prescribed for the poor. Hence we learn that Jesus was born, as the Catechism states, "in a low condition." He was rich, yet He became poor. Why? (See 2 Cor. viii. 9.)

II. Jesus Acknowledged, (ver. 25-38,)—in which note these things

:

(a.) The character of Simeon and his hope. He was just-a righteous man, and devout, a God-fearing man. Contrast the unjust judge, (Luke xviii. 2.) These two always go together. He that fears God will be just to his fellow-men. Then his hope. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel. Mark the word consolation. It evidently means the Messiah. He was to be the consolation of Israel. Simeon was waiting, calmly expecting His coming. Why? Because he had had a revelation from God that His eyes should see Him. The Holy Ghost had revealed this unto him. The Holy Ghost has the same message for all. All those who wait for His coming shall see Him, and the sight will make them like Him, (1 John iii. 2.) This is our hope. Have you this hope?

(b.) Simeon's confession, (ver. 27-32.) Simeon, led by the Spirit, came into the Temple during the presentation of Jesus. He at once recognised Him as the promised Messiah-as the Light spoken of of old,- -a Light not for the Jews alone, but for the Gentiles as well-for all people. (Compare Isa. ix. 2 and John i. 9.) The old man was now well content to die. He had seen that which many prophets and righteous men had desired to see, and had not seen.

(c.) Simeon's prophecy, (ver. 33-35.) While many wondered at these things, Simeon proceeded to shew what manner of child this should be. He was SETi. e., ordained for a special purpose. Note the purpose, for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel. Mark the order-the fall first, the rising afterwards. This is God's ordinance. First the cross, then the crown. Jesus trod this path. All His people must follow in His footsteps. He was also to be a sign-God's great sign to Israel and to all mankind; but they would not receive Him. He was to be spoken against. This was literally true. He endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. He is still spoken against by many. What think ye of Christ? Simeon plainly intimates His sufferings in verse 35. Mary saw Him crucified, (John xix. 25;) and the sword did then pierce her own soul also.