In the month of December, it’s tempting to think, “It’s that time of year again! I have to make a list of gifts to buy, check it twice, and spend untold hours shopping in malls and on the internet to find what I want.”
But alas, Christmas is so much more. Christmas is about Christ. Christmas is about the things of the Spirit. Christmas is gratitude to God for sending Jesus Christ with his message of truth and love to help and heal humanity.
Mary Baker Eddy wrote,
“In Christian Science, Christmas stands for the real, the absolute and eternal, — for the things of Spirit, not of matter.”
“The basis of Christmas is the rock, Christ Jesus; its fruits are inspiration and spiritual understanding of joy and rejoicing, — not because of tradition, usage, or corporeal pleasures, but because of fundamental and demonstrable truth, because of the heaven within us. The basis of Christmas is love loving its enemies, returning good for evil, love that ‘suffereth long, and is kind.’ The true spirit of Christmas elevates medicine to Mind; it casts out evils, heals the sick, raises the dormant faculties, appeals to all conditions, and supplies every need of man” Miscellany, p. 260.
So yes, Christmas is about giving gifts—giving the gift of love that turns enemies into friends, extends care that relieves the oppressed and prays truth that heals the sick. And it’s Christ that makes it all possible.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Thanks, Evan, for putting Christ back into Christmas for us. “The basis of Christmas is love loving its enemies, returning good for evil, love that ‘suffereth long, and is kind.’ The true spirit of Christmas elevates medicine to Mind; it casts out evils, heals the sick, raises the dormant faculties, appeals to all conditions, and supplies every need of man” Miscellany, p. 260. No one has ever said it better. Love to all and may our holidays be filled with the Christmas spirit that heals and blesses. My deepest gratitude for your beautiful messages, Evan. Truly a gift that fulfills the essence of Christmas all year long!
That is a good message, not only for people who are bound up in the Christmas shopping frenzy, but also very a very important message for people who can’t shop for Christmas, those who are feeling bad that they can’t give all the material trappings to friends and family. Thank you for sharing.
One of the best gifts of all are your messages. I have been reading your articles on JSH, and savoring the hope and inspiration they provide. We are fortunate to have people in the world like you who have embraced the Truth and who really live it. When Jesus said “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” he wasn’t talking about more shopping malls and BMWs (although they might think that in southern California). What a great gift to be able to understand that we are complete and whole right now, free from wanting and fearing. Christmas is a lot more than getting and giving “stuff.” You and Mrs. Eddy make that so clear. Thank God for Mrs. Eddy and for inspired thinkers like you, for your dedication and demonstrations. Merry Christmas.
Evan, thank you for Spiritview (view of Spirit) that you lovingly send out to those in need. It is gratefully rec’d by many. Yes, Christmas is “the rock.” We can always turn to the dear Christ Love for that strong foundation that has been brought to us, to teach us of God’s enduring Love. What a gift we have been given by Jesus and his follower, MBE. My joy is in sharing this gift of Love which is so needed in today’s world atmosphere. “Love your enemies” is undoubtedly the way today’s world upheavals must be healed. Thank you, Evan, for the inspiring gifts you continue to give. I am reminded of “Shepherd, show me how to go.” Merry Christmas, love to all.
Today’s Spirit View reminds me of the table turning Jesus did when he walked into the Temple and threw the money changes out and yelled; “What have you done? How could you make this holy temple into a den of thieves?
Isn’t that what we are doing when all we do is buy presents and run around ragged teaching our children to love money instead of the Christ? Where is God in all this spending money for nonsense gifts, some of which will be thrown out anyway. Give the gift of healing, uplifting our fellow man, ending crime and war, which are truly the real solid gift.
Needed and very well said! Thanks Evan.
I haven’t bought a single gift yet, but I have been filled with the Christ spirit. I have been singing with my group of singers .We have sung two small concerts and yesterday we sang 2 more at local retirement homes. We love bringing joy to all who listen and they reflect it right back to us when we see their faces. I love to prepare cookies, nuts, breads and things that come from my heart . I don’t feel frantic I just feel love.
It sounds like you are spreading a lot of Christmas spirit around! Nice work.