What did those lamps see? They saw the gifts of gold which the Wise-men brought, and it seemed to turn to a shining crown and the babe's voice was the voice of the little King. They shone upon a beautiful urn of frankincense. This is a pure gum from a certain Arabian tree which when burned gives a sweet-smelling smoke. In history it has always been used as a symbol of prayer and praise. This gift meant that all the world was to pray to him and praise him with all their heart. These home lamps saw also a golden cup of myrrh. This is a bitter gum and very precious. It used to be wrapped up with the coverings of those who died. It was to teach us that into the baby's life some day the cross would come, and the winding-sheet with its precious myrrh would prepare his precious body for the grave; so that house was made beautiful by the shadow of the wondrous Cross.
Let the Christmas light come into your heart, and all the people will see in you the beautiful life of peace, contentment, faith, love, and joy.
The next light represents the light which Jesus brings to the dark places of the world. He is a light which shines through the darkness. Here tell the story of heathen countries waiting for the light. He is the Light of the World.
The next light represents the light of his church. Paul Revere saw the lights flashing from the tower of Old North Church of Boston, and on his fleet-footed horse dashed down through the valley spreading the message of alarm to the people of the sleeping homes. Every true church is a light-house. It warns us of the power of sin. It shows us the way of the Cross.
The next light represents the lamp of heaven. Jesus came to open the doors of heaven, where there is eternal light, and to bid us enter and be at rest. When he ascended he left a light in the window for us all, which is his good promise that "Where I am there ye shall be also." These are the Merry Christmas lights. Once, years ago and miles away, there was an ancient castle. It was the home of the silent and absent Prince. It was always dark and gloomy, no light could be seen in its windows day or night. There was an old tradition that some time the Prince would return, and then the lights would appear at every window and the bells would chime out most merrily. Often the quiet villagers would look up at the castle on the hill and wonder if the Prince would ever return, and if their eyes should ever see the long-promised lights. One night the people of the village were startled by the sound of bells, and from every window of the castle beautiful lights were shining. The Prince had returned, and there was great joy among the people. Let us light these nine Christmas lights now, and we shall all have a Merry Christmas, for the long-expected Prince from heaven has come to this old dark castle, the world dwelling in darkness.
Wilson's Birthday. December 28
Read as the special Scripture lesson for the hour Isaiah 11:1-10, which describes the man of peace. Read also Proverbs 3:13-26, which describes the scholar and education. Secure a picture of the late President and dwell on his dreams of peace.
New Year's Eve
It is hardly possible that you will hold a watch-meeting for the juniors, but the following program will make a good order for adults as well as for such children who will attend with them. Secure a number of candles, one for each hour of the service. If the service commences at eight o'clock and continues until midnight, put four lighted candles on the table, one for each hour, and extinguish one at the end of each hour, and you will have one candle left for the last hour. This will be impressive.
At the last moment of the hour extinguish this candle and in total darkness let the old year pass out. At the first minute of the New Year turn on all the lights, arise, and sing, and after the Lord's Prayer, in which they all join, say to the people "A happy New Year to all," and the meeting has ended, and the New Year begun.