Wish the little folks a Merry Christmas and send them early to their homes.
Christmas Day. December 25
For a good Christmas lesson read the story of the Nativity as recorded in the second chapter of Luke. Read also the story of the Wise-men as written in Matthew 2:1-12.
Secure nine tall candles, and as you light them remark how beautiful the candle-light looks on Christmas night, for this is the happy eve of twinkling lights. Even the stars throb and glow as if trying to smile on little children. You will notice that I have here nine candles, each candle standing for a letter in the word Christmas.
Let us see what each sparkling Christmas light says to us. This first light stands for the lights of the inn, the place where Joseph and Mary went the night Jesus was born. This light made plain the path to the rear of the inn where they found the manger crib that God had prepared for the little Son. It was a humble nest, but it was all the inn-keeper had to offer his guests. They were lights of welcome to Jesus, and so Merry Christmas was born there. He who walks in the light of humility walks in the Christmas light.
The next light represents the light from the camp-fires of the Shepherds, around which they gathered and read the words of the Great Prophet of Israel as to the Coming One, while they watched their flocks by night. These were quiet lamps of patient waiting. They were lamps of faith which made stout their courage as they believed with all the heart. Jesus was coming soon, and so God rewarded their faith, for their fires were not extinguished until he came indeed. We should keep the camp-fires burning while we are waiting for his glorious coming again. Every Christmastime should cause us to be glad because he did come once, and we have his promise he will come again. Never let that lamp of hope die out.
The next light stands for the heavenly light shining in the skies. For a bright light shone about them, "the Light of the World" was about to be born. This light was full of angels who sang by that golden light the story of "peace on earth and good-will toward men."
The next light represents the light of the stable lantern which the shepherds brought with them. They were the lamps of the "seeker," they had heard of the little Saviour, and they went forth to seek him. Always carry the seeker's light with you, for it is the finding light. As Bobby Burns puts it, "They never seek the Lord in vain who seek the Lord aright."
The next light represents the starlight which the Wise-men saw. They followed it, and it brought them to the place where the young child lay. The wisest men of this world are led by heaven's lamp of truth. Holding up a Bible, say, "This is the lamp from Heaven, follow it and you will at last find the Christ on his throne where it is Christmas every day."
The next light represents the lamp of the house where the Wise-men found Jesus and his mother. What a wonderful house that must have been. It was a house glorified because Jesus had once lived there in all of his heavenly beauty. Let Jesus into your house, and it will be full of golden lamps which will make the home all glorious within.