ng Christ.

DECEMBER The Sixteenth

_THE GREATEST WONDERS_

HEBREWS xi. 30-40.

The greatest wonders are not in Nature but in grace. A regenerated soul is
a greater marvel than the marvel of the spring-time. A transfigured face
is a deeper mystery than a sun-lit garden. To rear graces in a life once
scorched and blasted by sin is more wonderful than to grow flowers on a
cinder-heap. If we want to see the realm of surpassing wonders we must
look into a soul that has been born again and is now in vital union with
the living Christ. Even the angels watch the sight with ever-deepening awe
and praise.

As the spiritual is the home of wonders, so also is it the field of
brightest exploits. It is not what men have done by the sword that counts
in the esteem of heaven--such deeds mean little or nothing; it is what
they have done "by faith." Weak, frail men and women have put their faith
in God, and have done the impossible! Faith unites the weakling with
almightiness! Faith makes a lonely soul one with "the spirits of just men
made perfect," and with them he shares "the power and the glory" of the
eternal God.

DECEMBER The Seventeenth

_GOD'S PRESENCE OUR DEFENCE_

EXODUS xv. 11-18.

When we invent little devices to protect us against the evil one, he
laughs at our petty presumption. It is like unto a child erecting sand
ramparts against an incoming sea. The only thing that makes the devil fear
is the presence of God. Our money can do nothing. Our culture can do
nothing. Our social status can do nothing. Only God can deal with devils.
"By the greatness of Thine arm they shall be still as a stone." When Thou
art with me "I will fear no evil"; the fear shall be with my foes.

It is, therefore, the divine in anything which endows it with a strong
defence. If the holy God dwells in our culture, then our culture becomes
like an invulnerable fort. If God abides in our recreations, then our very
sports are armed against our foes. If "the joy of the Lord" is in our
festivity, then our very merriment is proof against the invasion of the
world. When the Lord is in us, fear dwells in the opposite camp.
"Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be shaken in the heart of the seas."

DECEMBER The Eighteenth

_THE SINNER'S GUEST_

"_He is gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner._"
--LUKE xix. 1-10.

It was hurled as an accusation; it has been treasured as