Editorial December 24, 1910 Issue

"CHRIST IN YOU"

John B. Willis

When one considers the universality of the Christmas celebration, that the old and young of all the nations and peoples denominated Christian have on the average devoted many hours, if not days, of active thought to the joyous anticipation and unselfish doing which it prompts, he can but realize the possible mental significance of the event. Nevertheless, it must be said that this celebration is not regarded by the many as having any immediate or important relation to the world's redemption or to their individual betterment. It figures as having to do with pleasant experiences, rather than with spiritual quickening, and in so far its religious meaning is practically lost.

This is mistake of far-reaching effect, whose seriousness is beginning to be apprehended, through Christian Science, in all the world. To identify the Christ-coming as an incident which transpired nineteen centuries ago, to limit it in thought to the appearing of the Bethlehem babe, is practically to accept the phenomena of God "manifest in the flesh" which the life of the Master presented, in lieu of the experience of the Christ-coming in our own lives.

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes: "The incarnation of Truth, that amplification of wonder and glory ... is consonant with ever-present Love" (p. 501); and in this declaration she epitomizes the teaching of Christian Science, which places the Christ-coming in an entirely new relation to individual thought and interest. Writing to the Colossians, St. Paul speaks of "the mystery [the deep spiritual truth] which hath been hid from ages ... but now is made manifest to his saints: ... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Here is a concept of the incarnation which brings it exceeding nigh, and while one's interest in the Scripture narrative is not lessened thereby, his interest in the reappearing of the Christ-child, the divine idea in his own consciousness, is wondrously illumined and increased.

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