FRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxii, Issue 6455, 27 December 1904, Page 2

FRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Afc the Presbyterian Church in the morning and evening the Rev. G. B. Inglis preached Christmas sermons to audiences containing a large proportion of holiday visitors. In the morning he took for his text Matthew L, 22 and 23, and reviewed the, circumstances under which Isaiah's prophesy of the birth of Christ was given to Israel. The name Emmanuel expresses the general sense of God's nearness to us, and the sense of his favour and assistance. ft is because the human and divine natures were to be united in one person that He received that name. Whatever eha may change. Emmanuel continues his love unchanged ; and this season speaks to us only of him and of peace and goodwill to men. In the evening the text was taken from Galatians iv, 4 and 5, and in the course of his remarks Mr Ing!is pointed out that the true date of the birth of Christ is unknown, but it was in every way most fitting that such an event should be speci-Uly kept in mind, not only on Christmas Day, but on every day of the year. The coming of Christ into the world displayed infinite condescension and love, reconciled men to God, and brought peace and goodwill to all the earth. Reviewing the year now nearly closed, the preacher urged his hearers to lay ho heart past failures and sins, and be more watchful and prayerful in the year to come. Appropriate Christmas hymns were sung at both services.