Christmas is more than a holiday, more than vacation off from work, more than a time to party, give gifts and watch football games. It’s about the coming of Christ that reveals the presence of God at work in our lives to conquer sin, heal sickness and to lead the way to eternal life.
Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “In Christian Science, Christmas stands for the real, the absolute and eternal, — for the things of Spirit, not of matter” (Miscellany, p. 260).
Amidst the busyness that often accompanies this time of year, be sure to take time out to remember the real meaning of Christmas and make it your own. It’s what will matter most after the last Christmas decoration is stored away.
Thanks Evan for the gentle reminder.
Let’s endeavour to live the sprit of Christmas all the year round and see it as a way of life, not just a one day celebration out of the 365 in the year!
So true Dilys, This is how to live…..
Just lovely Evan. Yes it is the time for more grace, gratitude and recognizing the glory of God!
Lovely reminder to bring in the true essence of Christmas, instead of taking it as another occasion for buying a new dress, decorating the house and having a ball.
Unless the birth of Christ takes place in our hearts, making us more loving and forgiving like Christ Jesus; unless we feel more of Christ’s healing and powerful presence in our life, our inseparability from Christ; the true meaning of celebrating CHRISTMAS is lost.
Evan, thank you, friend, for this reminder to put Christ first. Appreciate all comments. Nerdish, your last line is simply beautiful.
My favorite part of Christmas is the Christmas carols that honor the Christ . I always feel so much gratitude for the Christ message and the healing works of Jesus.
And of course, hearts are are more open, a lightness of being prevails and Love shows her light as she touches all hearts
Thank you, Evan, and Beautiful Commenters! I’ve often wondered how those who don’t embrace the principles of Christianity – the virgin birth, the life and healings of Jesus, his resurrection and ascension – think of Christmas…..??? Is it just the celebration of the Winter Solstice and all the red and green colors of the Holiday? I imagine a lot of people do see it as a time of Family, Love and Giving, but do they really understand how important an event it was/is to have Jesus come on earth to bring the Christ Message of Eternal Life to us…?? Just wondering……..
Isn’t the point of Christmas and Christian Science to love? Loving everyone, no matter what their belief is or whether they agree with you or not. Even if they believe it to be Winter Solstice, or not a holiday at all, we can’t judge them and wonder how they can think a certain way.
Everyone is on their own path and will eventually see what they need to see at the perfect time.
Thank you Debbie…. hearts that truly love
know this to be true…..
Bevi, I think for a lot of people Christmas is all about Santa Claus, elves, and reindeer to name a few. A large number of people I know don’t even know about God and Jesus. I mean they’ve heard about God and Jesus but they don’t really know anything about the message of the Christ, nor do they seem to care to. But all the more reason for us to shine the Light of Love!
Thank you Evan for this timely subject. Have a great day everyone!
I often exercise the “tool” of my imagination and contemplate Jesus the Christ… I imagine what it felt like to be in his presence… to walk with him for a day… to hear him speak…to witness his demonstrations….to touch him…
to receive his teaching directly… and in this way I am brought closer to the realization of Christ as our True Being… in some traditions when one fully embodies the Christ Consciousness they are said to be “Christed”
Jesus, as the Christ, saw the Christ in every human heart….. let us be Christed this Christmas…..
Love and blessing you all of you beautiful Christ in training…
Yes, thank you Evan, the coming of Christ, which we call “Advent” and in Germany is celebrated four Sundays before Christmas. But I am grateful for your reminding, what that really is, namely “the presence of God”. That is most important and wounderful!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of what the season is all about and commenters too, thank you.
One of my favorite Christmas readings is “A Christmas Sermon” p. 161 in Mrs. Eddy’s “Miscellaneous Writings”
A number of years ago while working in a Christian Science nursing home I had used a large Santa (among others decorations) for decorating.
A choir from a Christian Church asked if they could come and sing for our people. One mother had brought her young son.
Standing before the Santa he asked
“Mama what’s that?” She very lovingly answered him “That’s for people who don’t believe in Christ”. Needless to say when they left Santa came down.
Mrs. Eddy tells us in My, p. 267, “that the children shall not be taught that Santa Claus has ought to do with this pastime.”
Since then Santa have chosen to leave Santa to those “who don’t believe in Christ.
Dorothy, thanks for the startling image. It says a lot. Maximo, love the feeling of walking with the Christ. And Nerdish, Yours is to keep on my desk. Thanks all.
So true Evan! Giving of yourself is what Christmas is about and letting others who may feel lonely at Christmas or any time of the year goes a long way in helping to heal others. Love is what you and all SP fans have done through the year and I am truly grateful to you all!
I love listening to the Christmas hymns and carols all year round. Such healing messages for us and the world.