Article December 17, 2007 Issue

Preparing my manger

BY HOLLY AMANS-KAISER

FOR MANY FAMILIES joy at Christmas reaches far beyond the warmth and laughter shared by people who love being together.

Growing up with Christian Science, and inspired by our mom, my siblings and I felt a divine influence at Christmas, a vary tangible presence of Love, or God. More than celebrating the birth of Jesus, for us it was the promise of spiritual healing for everyone—the true Christ-mission—that made our times together significant.

However, soon after I'd gotten married and moved to a city away from home, I had to find a new love for Christmas. One morning when I felt very low, it occurred to me that going for a drive might help, even if it was in the city. As I drove, I asked God for an answer to fill my emptiness. I knew His love was constant, but I was so sad. So I pulled over to a curb and cried, "Father, what am I not understanding? I just want to be with my family."