\V/ISE MEN came from the East, three kings were
W' ^iey- They had long searched their hearts and
studied the stars and their mission was to follow
the brightest of stars.
These kings of men were not mere wanderers in a
strange land, but men of purpose, seeking the fulfill
ment of prophecy.
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Far from home and accustomed regal comfort, these
weary travelers pushed onward, waiting the moment when
the light of the star would signify they had reached
journey's end.
They had traveled far, these kings of men, to kneel
down and pay homage to a mere infant—a newborn
child—the “King of Kings”.
OHEPHERDS there were, watching their flock, upon
J the hillsides near Bethlehem. These were men of
simple birth and of simple faith, far different from
the Three Kings of the Orient who passed in the night
enroute to Bethlehem. Because the King born in Bethle
hem was not only the “King of Kings,” but the King of
all men, everywhere, a heavenly messenger was sent forth
to announce the glad tidings to the gentle shepherds.
These men of simple means possessed no gold,
frankincense or myrrh, but they brought gifts, as best
they could afford, and offered them with a full and
happy heart.
ANGELS were the messengers of joy that night in
Bethlehem and they instructed the shepherds to
leave their flocks and go forth into Bethlehem
where they would find the newborn King.
How easy it would be for us all to believe more
deeply if God should choose to send us a personal angel!
Yet, should we not realize, on this Christmas day,
that God has sent to us the greatest gift of all?
God chose to send forth His Son. During his 33
years upon earth, Christ lived for the most part an
ordinary life. No heralds preceded his footsteps. He never
sat upon a throne; His only crown was one of thorns.
JOSEPH, the carpenter from Galih--. mas a tu mble
J man, strong and filled with del ,ru don to julfill
•S the requirements of the great response sty for which
he had been chosen.
The great faith of this man Joseph should provide
inspiration for all of us. Joseph did not question the
will, nor the purpose of God.
In the face of adversity and filled with great concern
for Mary, Joseph could have cried out in anger against
the world which seemingly denied aid and comfort in so
great an hour of need.
Jk J"ARY, the mother, suffering in silence, was at the
l VI same time overflowing with joy.
The journey to Bethlehem had been a difficult
one. Without her great faith and the realization of the
supreme importance of her mission in life, we must
wonder if Mary might not have been tempted to give in
to despair and defeat.
Mary certainly was not immune to pain, yet she
never complained, not even to Joseph. Mary knew well
the hope and the joy of all mankind.
II
H
ESUS, the son of God was born in Bethlehem, in the
simple surroundings of a crude stable. He was to
spend 33 years upon earth, living a life of humility,
faith, obedience and highest example. He offered friend
ship and love to every man and lay down a foundation
upon which every man could build eternal happiness.
Centuries have now come and gone, yet the story of
Bethlehem remains essentially the same.
It is now the season of Christmas, in the year 1963.
The world which surrounds us may be far from perfect,
but we need only look to see the progress of Christianity,
wherein lies the hopes of all mankind.
To all Christians, everywhere, Christmas is the time
for realization that a g'orious life on earth und unselfish
death on Calvary has not been in vain.
. On.