THE “STAR OF BETHLEHEM.”

A sermon preached by Rev. E. K. Love, at Harmony Baptist Church. Augusta. Ga.. March 26th, 1882.

“Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.—Matt. ii:2. It seems that it was not only God's plan to work for His people by signs, but He led them by signs. Strange things often occur which we cannot understand by any process of reasoning. The Bible is our only guide. It was a strange thing to Moses to see the burning bush, as well as an awful sight. Yet, it had its significance. From it, he received that glorious command to emancipate Israel. It was a strange thing that his rod turned to a serpent; yet, it pointed to the signal triumph in Egypt. The many signs and wonders shown in Egypt were all full of meaning. The rod raised over the Red Sea was strange, but wonderfully significant. The gracious God Who had espoused the cause of His people, and had engaged to redeem them, went before the pilgrim fathers by day in a cloud, and by night in a pillar of fire. The weary travelers moved while and where these signs did. When these were still, they rested under their hallowed shadows. Thus through a waste howling wilderness, for forty years, they journeyed following these signs, until they came to the promised land of peace and rest. He who had declared that he would show signs in the heavens above, graciously appears now, to give notice to the world that the King approaches. The Jews, while in Assyria, had informed these heathen philosophers that they were expecting a King from heaven, who would rule the world; and that, His royal advent would be signaled by the appearing of a strange star in the heavens. Time rolls on, the elect returned to their promised rest. One after one dies. 0003 4The Saviour shrouded in humanity, leaves the realms of eternal bliss, amid the thunder chants of heaven's sweet minstrelsy, to come to earth. Born of the Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem of Judea. An infant tender. King Jesus is His name. The heathen astronomers are watching the stars. Star by star goes by. The Satellites superbly move along in their courses. The whole stella world moves on in silent majestic grandeur. The Philosophers are ecstatic at the pleasing sight. But all at once, their joy subsides. Wonder and astonishment fill their hearts. They began from the oldest and down to the youngest to ask each other, “What does this mean?” They, being, confused, answered, “We cannot tell.” They philosophied, and still it was a mystery. Time passed by, and the more they thought of it, the less they understood about it. At last, they were appointed by the authorities to investigate the matter. Then one remembered that the Jews had said that they were expecting a King from heaven, whose regal advent would be shown by a star. Then urged their King, “Go to Judea, the land of Jews, and swear allegiance to this new born King; take His Majesty presents make a treaty with Him, or He might destroy us in consequence of negligence.” They turned their faces Westward upon their camels, being laden with many precious gifts, guided by the Star of Bethlehem. Many days and nights passed by, and these anxious inquirers are alone in the wilderness following this silent and strange minister in the sky—the star of Bethlehem. Their mission is a grand one. It might be perilous, but in anxiety danger is forgotten. Their mission is the grandest on record. They were seeking Jesus. As they journeyed and talked of Him in the way, the star kept before them. Going over hills, and through valleys, they at length, got in sight of the city of precious memory, the most famous in History—the city of the King. A few more hours passed by, and their camels stood at the Western gate of that great city. They repaired at once to King Herod, and inquired of him, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” They caused a 0004 5stir in Jerusalem among the Doctors, and trouble in the Royal Family. King Herod told them that no King had been born; and, that he was King of the Jews. They insisted,”We have seen His star in the East.” The King called the wise men and scribes, and demanded of them where Christ should be born? After a diligent search of the Scriptures, they said, “In Bethlehem of Judea.” These heathen Philosophers were in right, down earnest. They proceeded to Bethlehem of Judea guided by the star. They passed over hills and crossed streams, and down narrow paths until that sacred city greeted their weary longing eyes. Their emotion was indescribable. This wonderfully strange star moved most magnificently on before the Heathen Sages until it stood over the hallowed place where the Royal Infant lay. As the object for which they sought saluted their eyes, they looked on with wonder and surprise. They watched the rays of this mystic star and took cognizance that its effulgent beams were bursting upon a stable, instead of a gorgeous princely palace. They hastened thitherward; the silvery rays that emanated from this heavenly visitor, falling graciously and gloriously upon the rude manger, told the Heathen seekers in no unequivocal language, here the King of Israel—the Prince of glory lies. As they approached the holy spot, they became over awed. I fancy that trembling takes hold on them. They advanced with joy and reverence into the presence of this new-born King. Jehovah, from the third heaven looked down, while the angelic host begins to play upon their golden harps, “Joy to the world the Lord has come, Let earth receive her King.”

This heavenly message, voiced by the jarring notes of the angels of peace singing in the air, is reverberated and re-echoed by the happy recipients of the magnanimous gift of God. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called wonderful counsellor—the mighty God—the everlasting Father—the Prince of peace.' At this time, the strangers stand at the door of 0005 6the lowly dwelling, in which the Son of David lies. One meets them at the door. Their mission is made known. They are ushered in. Oh ! when they beheld the child and saw that His countenance was Divine, and, as those penetrating, scrutinizing and loving eyes seemed to search their inmost souls, their hearts leaped forth with exceeding great joy. The star appeared in the heavens, which showed that the glorious Personage which it introduced was from heaven. This king whom they sought, and whom we must seek, is the Lord Jesus from heaven. The prophets told that God's Christ was to come from heaven. The people were, therefore, taught to look for the Messiah. Jehovah's Shiloh from heaven. Let us see some of the advantages of His being from heaven. If the fountain is pure the streams will be. The world is sinful corrupted and impure. We were bruised and mangled by the fall. Sin, that dangerous principle, that invidious monster, God's enemy and man's destroyer had sunk down into our, very beings, sapping the vitals of our very souls, and endeavoring to sever that golden chain which binds us to our God. This subtle foe, that is destructive in all of its works, is poisoning every fabric of our existence, corrupting every tenet of our character, and defiling every emotion of our lives, had a very strong hold on us, leading us as miserable culprits to a Devil's hell. We needed a pure perfect Saviour. Sin was in the world and rendered everything impure; hence, our Saviour must come from heaven, the fountain from which nothing but that which is pure can come. The mystic rays from this star were emitted in two directions. Upwards and downwards. Downwards as they pointed the seekers where this benign Babe was. Upwards, as they sweetly told where this loving and benificent Restorer was from. We are told, that our conversation is in heaven, whence we look for the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven is the source from which we get every good. Nothing enters there to corrupt and defile a man; hence, nothing degrading nor impure can come from that blessed land. Those who would seek Jesus must be guided by heaven's sign-the lone star of the East. God does not only command us to seek Jesus, but guides us by Bethlehem's 0006 7star. We might look upon this star as the guide to the blessed Jesus, and learn many useful lessons. Among them.

I. The Bible is our guide. Let us search by its direction. Follow its hallowed injunctions, and we can never lose our way. Go by its holy mandates and we are sure to be right. This blessed book leads to Jesus. None has ever been led amiss by it. It makes no mistakes. It points to the bleeding cross and tells the cause. It points to the precious blood of atonement, and shows its wonderful cleansing efficacy. Thousands have followed its direction and are now safe on the ever green shores of that blessed land. “Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand While the years of eternity roll.” Millions have heeded its sweet old story, and are now walking about in the beloved city with the redeemed and sanctified, swelling the epithalamic chorus of the skies in concert with the forty and four thousand, who have long since taken their golden harps, and have commenced to make heaven ring with exultant praise to God. Many have journeyed by this loving and heavenly guide, and we may well sing, “I have a mother, a father, a brother, a sister over yonder.

II. The Spirit is the ever faithful star to the holy Child Jesus. Seek Jesus by the light of His Spirit. The holy Spirit shines in our hearts, opening up an avenue of perfect heavenly light to the holy of holiest, where Jesus sits enthroned on high. An attempt to seek Him without the Spirit is folly and sin. “No man can come to me,” said he,” except my Father draw him.” God's plan of drawing is through the Third Person of the adorable Trinity-the Holy Spirit. We are admonished to grieve not the Spirit which shall seal us against the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit takes the deep things of God, and reveals them to His people. Follow Him, and He will lead us to the “Fountain filled with blood. Drawn from Immanuel's veins.”

He quickens and makes alive. He convicts, leads, consoles 0007 8and converts. There is no life without Him Leave Him behind, and you are lost. Leave Him behind, and your soul is damned. God calls you through Him. Jesus said He would go away, but would send the Comforter, Who would teach you all things. He heals the wounded heart. He cures the sin sick soul. He gives joy to the sorrowing heart, and calm the trouble breast. He bids the heavy laden sinner, “Come to Jesus.” He bids the guilty, “Look and live.” He tells the condemned there is pardon. He tells the wounded, there is balm in Gilead. He tells the sick, there is a physician. He tells the lost, there is a Saviour, and He begs the world to accept her Prophet, Priest and King. This loving Spirit, stands at the door knocking sweetly, gently, and yet distinctly. Oh, let the dear Spirit come in. “The Spirit is in our hearts, And whispers, 'sinner come.”

As many as are led by the Spirit of Christ, are the children of God. If ye have not the Spirit of Christ, ye are none of His “Spirit of Grace to us apply Immanuel's precious blood.” They saw from their homes away in heathen lands the star in the East. God has not left Himself without witnesses. The glad tidings at the very birth of Christ were carried to heathen lands. They were made to know that something strange and wonderful had occurred in the land of the Jews, and they inaugurated a search, and never ceased their march until they bowed reverentially in the august presence of the King. If in the beginning, the heathen lands are without excuse, how think you my dear congregation, to escape? You were born and reared in this blessed Christian land. You are inexcusable, oh, my people! You have seen His star in the East. You have seen His star in His Church, and you have mocked. You have seen His star in His poor saints; in their humble prayers and melancholy groans, and you will not heed. You have seen His star in the Bible, and you remain the same. You have seen His star in season and pervert them and wrest the Holy Scriptures to your ruin. Nature herself would teach you; lend her your ears. Speak to the 0008 9sea and it shall teach thee. You have seen His star in the lives of His people, and you will not be persuaded. You have seen His Star in affliction and, you paid no attention to it. The Spirit begs you to behold it, and you close your eyes. Oh! my friends, the star of Bethlehem shines in yonder clear blue sky to-night in all of its grandeur and splendour. There has not a single patch of cloud passed over its hallowed surface. For eighteen centuries it has shown with increased splendor and felicity. There never has passed over it a single mist. Its golden rays have never been obscured. They have never ceased to come upon us in all the sweetness and tenderness of a Jesus. When we close our eyes, its effulgent beams are still bursting upon us. And when we would open our eyes, it still sweetly shines upon us, telling us in thunder tones, “All the day long have I stretched out my bleeding arms to a stiff-necked and rebellious people. Dear sinner, seek Jesus by the star of Bethlehem, seek Him with the light you have. He makes you responsible for what you know. He calls you. You are made custodians of what you have. Improve your golden moments. You have only an inch of time. You are upon an ocean sailing. Time flies, and you are going Oh! that you would remember that you are upon “Time's fearful wheel.” Do not stay in your homes and philosophize and reason about the stars, wondering what it means, until you over stay the day of grace. Arise! follow the star. Investigate the matter. The matter can only be determined by personal investigation. You don't need a philosopher to investigate the matter for you. He cannot understand it for you. You can best understand it for yourselves. The most illiterate will find no trouble in ascertaining its true meaning if they will but follow the star. Under its mystic shadow is the King of glory—the Saviour of the world—the Root of David—the bright and morning Star—and the Son of righteousness.

Oh! my dear friends, go to Bethlehem in search of Jesus. If any one should ask you of you journey, and from whence you are, and whither are you going, tell him that you are from the City of Destruction, and that you are bound for 0009 10the promised land. If anyone demand of you why you thus journey, tell him that you are in search of King Jesus—the Babe of Bethlehem. Don't stop to tell him. Tell him while traveling. If the wicked entice thee, consent thou not. If he shall bid thee stop put your fingers in your ears and cry Life! Life! !Life !!! Tell them you seek Jesus; for you have seen His star in the East.

III. They didn't seek Him out of curiosity; they were actuated from pure motives. They had heard that He was to be born. They saw His star in the east and were satisfied that He was the King of the Jews, and that He was from heaven. Corroborating facts and circumstances convinced them. They acted honestly. They were careful to weigh truths, and balance reasons. As soon as they were convinced, they entered on a search. They thought that they couldn't be mistaken. The prognostications were too clear for it to be an idle tale. The sayings of the Jews, and the appearance of the star were hieroglyphical to to them. They would know certainly of the matter, hence they patiently pursued their their weary journey, encountering, no doubt, many difficulties, standing the inclement weather, enduring the parching heat, the privation of the tent, and the fatigue of the journey, till in exceeding great joy, the Holy King greeted their long expectant eyes. Their journey perhaps was not fraught with sweet thought! Jesus was at the end. They did not see Him the first day; they didn't meet Him in the way; He was at the end. “Prove thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Those who would seek Jesus, must first be convicted. The facts in the case are before you. Don't close your eyes on them, and then say you have not been convicted. His star still shines in the East. Seek Jesus with a heart convicted: not only that He is Saviour, but that you are a lost sinner and need to be saved. Let the fallow grounds of your hearts be broken up. Those who would seek Jesus must not only see beauty and life in Him, but, must see misery and death in themselves. Those who would seek Jesus, must not come to Him out of curiosity, but come with a heart laden with guilt and fear. An humble 0010 11and contrite heart He will not despise. These men sought Jesus with anxious hearts. When they found Him, the object of their search, their hearts were hilarious, and nature seemed more pleasing and charming.

IV. They came in search of Jesus, not merely to see Him, but to worship Him. A mere coming to Jesus without an object in view, in mockery. Those who seek Jesus must do so to worship Him; they must come to do service in His vineyard. When Paul was converted, his first words indicated that he desired a place in the Master's service. He asked “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? The Saviour will be found only of them who wish to worship Him. I am sure that there is no object in heaven or earth so worthy of worship. At His name angels, arch-angels, cherubins and seraphims bow at an humble distance, and cast down their glittering crowns at his dazzling throne and cry, “worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hast redeemed us unto God out of every kindred, tribe, tongue and people.” John said, he saw an angel coming to him in a shining garment, and he fell down at his feet to worship him, and the angel said, “See thou do it not—worship God.” Jesus is worthy of our worship, because He gave himself for us. The shame and pain of the cross he despised, counting our redemption infinitely greater. While He was being raised to the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” While bathed in tears and weltering in his blood, he saved a thief who had just railed on Him—Surely one who has done so much for us is worthy of our worship. We honor great men, because they have done great things for their country and people. George Washington is one of America's idols; because under his leadership, America was victorious in the revolutionary war. God freed America and the people gave Washington the honor. When Lincoln was assassinated the whole country seemed convulsed, and his name was in every mouth. When the late lamented Garfield was murdered, the whole country was moved with consternation; many thousands of dollars were given to his widow and spent in the trial. The whole country was draped in mourning while a dreadful dark cloud of sorrow enwrapped 0011 12the unhappy nation. But when Jesus the prince of glory was shamefully murdered, not a voice was heard saying, poor fellow! they ought not to treat Him so. Those of His friends were afraid to speak or show sympathy with Him. Now my dear congregation, if we love to do honor to our lamented dead who have only served a few people for only a few days, ought not we worship Him who not only cured all manner of diseases, but died an ignominious death upon the cross for us? These men that we are frantic about doing honor to, were all spotted: they had their success and their failures, their faults and their parties, but Jesus hadn't any faults and all the world was his party. Read after our great generals, you will find that they lost battles and were, at times, conquered; but Jesus never lost a battle; He conquered death and He conquered hell, and the angels sang the glorious triumph when He rose. He led captive captivity. He is worthy of our worship. Oh! come, dying men and women and bow before His throne—come and worship Him with humble and grateful hearts—worship Him by bringing others to Him. Oh! dear brethren, let us bring some one with us to Jesus—worship Him by living as consistent Christians.

V. They brought His majesty presents. Too many of us come to worship Jesus empty handed. We believe in a free salvation, and thus come to His service empty handed. When we come to worship before the Lord, let us bring something in our hands. God is worshipped with deeds, with acts, and not all with words. Words are empty sounds without acts. Giving is the fruitage of Christianity. A religion that goes not prompt us to give to the cause of Christ, will not take us to heaven. Religion is exemplified in work. Giving is indispensable to vital Christianity. Where there is no giving, there is no living Christianity. The angel told Cornelius that his prayer and alms had come up before God. Prayers and alms go hand and hand. We must not think it all preaching and praying and go to God empty handed. No, my brethren, we must worship God with our substance. The apostle tells us to present our bodies unto God living sacrifices, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. I wish to impress 0012 13you to-night with the duty of giving. We have been too slack. Let us remember that we are to glorify God in what we have as well as in what we are; we should remember that the furtherance of the Gospel is committed to our care; to send it to those who have it not, is our most sacred duty. Why should we hesitate when reason tells us that we must do this, or the work would stop. No enterprise can be perfected without the use of money—money is one of God's appointed agencies through which the gospel must reach earth's remotest bounds. Since the gospel is ordained of God as a means through which the world must be saved; and since the saving of the world glorifies God, and since money must be used as a means in sending the glorious gospel to the lost, therefore it follows that the giving of money is a part of divine service, and is just as important as any other part of the worship. We should consider it an inestimable privilege to be able to give some thing to the cause of Christ. He gives back full measure, heaped up, shook down and running over. We can lose nothing by giving to the cause of Jesus. He loves the cheerful giver, and the liberal soul he makes fat. Oh! that we could be aroused to the duty of giving. We are called by God and by our fellow men to give; give something that we value. Do not give God all nickels and all the mutilated money we can find; give something that is worthy of the end in view; give quick, do not wait to be begged. Arouse oh servants of God. God loves to have you bring something to Him.

Those who would seek only to serve God in prayer, shouting, and praying and preaching and telling their Christian experience, would render a heartless and lifeless worship to God. Oh! dear brethren, let us cultivate the grace of giving. It is very much needed. Let us pray that our lives might be those of prayer and giving. It is a shame that we close our treasury against the Lord, and then claim to be His servants. He gives us all we have; and then, for us to refuse to give Him a portion of it in return, is to prove ourselves unworthy of His blessing and Fatherly care. He has promised to reward those, even, who give to a disciple a cup of cold water. The widow 0013 14gave the prophet all she had, and yet she received more than she had at first. Many blessings have been lost by our refusing to give something to God. The Jews robbed God in tithes and offerings, until they provoked Him to anger. Their being carried away as slaves, was the result. Oh, my brethren, let us hear our God from heaven ask, “Will a man rob God?” God grant us grace to give to His cause liberally. And now my congregation, I must conclude this discourse. Let me say to you, on leaving you to-night, come to Jesus by way of the bleeding cross. He would be found of you now. But by and by He may not. You must soon leave his transitory station. You are on an ocean sailing, and soon will launch into a never ending eternity. You must soon cease to breathe. Your blood will soon congeal in your veins. The opening grave will soon receive your remains to their kindred elements. The death knell will soon be sounded from the everlasting hills. The angels will soon sound heaven's plaintive notes. You have not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. I beg you to get ready now. The Star of Bethlehem will disappear and your destiny will be sealed. Be wise my friends, and accept the sign of the times. To remain dormant is to be criminal. To be at ease over these, is to perfect your own destruction. God help you to seek Jesus by the Bible and by the light of the Spirit. God help you to inquire “Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him,” is my prayer, for Jesus' sake. Amen.