Article November 23, 1912 Issue

THE COMING OF CHRIST

S. F. SWANTEES, M.D.

In some of the German provinces, many years ago, a legend was cherished that each year, to some home, the home best prepared for him, the Christ-child would come on Christmas-eve and would sup with the family and give to its members the benediction of his presence. So, as the Christmas season drew near, every home was thoroughly cleaned, every nook and corner was investigated and made presentable, "for who knows," the mother or father would say, "but that the Christ-child will come to our home this year."

This legend comes to my thought frequently when I think of the Christ-idea as expressed in Christian Science. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, all the world seemed to say that there was no room for him, as was the case with the inn—no room in human thought for the Christ-idea. The Romans and Pharisees were quite certain that nothing could enter their domain without acknowledging their supremacy, but in spite of the general opposition to the truth there were some hearts ready to receive the Christ. There was Mary, there were the shepherds, the wise men, and some others whose thought was ready for the Christ-idea, and to them it appeared—and there was no power to hinder its appearance to the prepared thought, for Truth was and today is omnipotent. How is the thought prepared? By following the advice given in one of the hymns by Mrs. Eddy, which we often sing: "Cleanse the foul senses within" (Poems, p. 75).

When demonstrations seem slow, when it seems as if we were holding to the truth in vain, it is comforting to remember that when the thought is thoroughly prepared for the Christ-idea, the divine idea will surely appear, and nothing, absolutely nothing, can hinder this appearing. In Revelation we read: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." When Christ, Truth, sups with us, our demonstration is made, for "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

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