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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:1-20

The Savior's birth and type angel's sermon. We now pass from the person of the forerunner to that of his greater Successor. The priest's son was great, but the Virgin's Son was greater. John was a great gift to the world, as every true reformer must be; but a Savior is God's supreme Gift to the children of men. Now, in this narrative before us we learn— I. HOW THE WILL OF EVEN HEATHEN MONARCHS IS MADE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF GOD . The Divine will, expressed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds and the herald angels. From limestone cavern, we are taken by the evangelists to the long grassy slopes which stretch to the east of the Jewish city. Hidden in some nook of these slopes rest pious shepherds. Shepherds have always been a meditative class of men, accustomed to the sweet silences of nature, and, apart from the bustle and stir of cities, invited to quiet communion with their own hearts. It would seem that these shepherds were men of the spirit of Simeon. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:21

For the circumcising of the Child . These ancient rites—circumcision and purification—enjoined in the Mosaic Law were intended as perpetual witnesses to the deadly taint of imperfection and sin inherited by every child of man. In the cases of Mary and her Child these rites were not necessary; but the mother devoutly submitted herself and her Babe to the ancient customs, willingly obedient to that Divine Law under which she was born and hitherto had lived. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:21-38

The circumcision and presentation in the temple. I. THE CIRCUMCISION . With regard to the circumcision, observe: 1 . The Son of God is not only "made of a woman," he is " made under the Law ." He is entered into all the requirements and circumstances of the covenant "with Abraham and his seed." The apostle tells us why—"to redeem them that were under the Law." Christ took the bond under which Israel was bound, and became Israel's Surety for it. Now it is ended. There is a new... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:21-40

Circumcision and presentation of the Child Jesus . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:21-40

The circumcision and presentation of Jesus. We pass now from the angel's sermon and the shepherds' faithful verification of it to the next notable events in the great life which embodies the gospel for mankind. And we have here— I. THE CIRCUMCISION . ( Luke 2:21 .) This was the admission of Jesus when only eight days old into the Old Testament Church. It was a painful, bloody process, and as such it was the beginning of that life of suffering upon which God's Son had determined... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:22

When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished . This period lasted forty days from the birth. The forty days, according to the date of the nativity accepted universally by the Catholic Church, would bring the Feast of the Purification to February 2. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:24

A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons . The proper offering was a lamb for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or dove for a sin offering; but for the poor an alternative was allowed—instead of the more costly present of a lamb, a second pigeon or dove might be brought. The deep poverty of Mary and Joseph is shown in this offering. They would never have put the sanctuary off with the humbler had the richer gift been in their power. read more

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