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Children and Christmas
If a child were asked to which day of the year he looks forward with the greatest gladness, he would no doubt answer that it was Christmas. If a number of children were asked why this day above all others, many would be likely to say that it was because of the presents which they expected to receive and the good time to which they looked forward. Others might say that they loved Christmas because it was the day on which Jesus was born. The pity is that the children's thoughts have to a large extent been deflected from the coming of Jesus and turned toward a mythical, pagan concept called Santa Claus as the sender of all the good things at Christmas time.
In Christian Science, children and adults alike are taught the tremendous importance of recognizing truth first, last, and always; and because Christ Jesus himself insisted upon this, and because it was an essential part of his healing work, Mrs. Eddy has wisely instructed Christian Scientists to speak the truth on this point as on all others. On page 261 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" she asks the question, "How shall we cheer the children's Christmas and profit them withal?" To this she replies: "The wisdom of their elders, who seek wisdom of God, seems to have amply provided for this, according to the custom of the age and to the full supply of juvenile joy. Let it continue thus with one exception: the children should not be taught to believe that Santa Claus has aught to do with this pastime. A deceit or falsehood is never wise." It were well for all parents and guardians who are Christian Scientists to study prayerfully the whole of her article and gather from it lessons not alone for Christmas day but for all the days of the year.

December 21, 1918 issue
View Issue-
War Relief Work in France
AGNES CHALMERS
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A Helpful Experience
FRANK A. UPDEGRAFF
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Trust and Guidance
RUSSELL F. GROW
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The Use of the Reading Rooms
HARRIET N. TAYLOR
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Christmas
LIEUT. COL. ROBERT E. KEY
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A minister, as reported, endeavored to advise his hearers...
George C. Palmer
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A report is given of a sermon delivered by the Vicar of...
H. Wallace Smith
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It is estimated that compulsory health insurance in Illinois...
Walter H. Van Zwoll
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Now for the Sowing of Righteousness
William P. McKenzie
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"Unto us a child is born"
William D. McCrackan
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Children and Christmas
Annie M. Knott
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The Lectures
with contributions from Katherine English, Robert P. Walker, Leon G. Miles, Daniel F. Orange, George H. Johnson, Gertrude Geddes Henkel, Willis R. Burdick, Atty. B. F. Harwitz
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In March, 1907, while at business, I had a sudden attack...
J. Duncan with contributions from Laurina S. Duncan
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When Christian Science first came to my notice, it appealed...
Ethel Helen Calhoun
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Nearly a year ago on stepping out of the door, I slipped...
Don James Burton
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Every day I feel grateful for the privilege of being a student...
A. Gertrude Schanze
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For some time I have wanted to express my gratitude...
Blanche K. Watson
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When I began the study of Christian Science several...
Nina C. Eckert
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I am as yet only a beginner in Christian Science, but am...
Robert L. Prestidge
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It is with a grateful heart that I testify to the blessings...
F. Venetta Johnson with contributions from A. W. Johnson
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More than ten years ago I was painfully uncertain of...
F. M. McGehee with contributions from F. M. McGehee
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Signs of the Times
with contributions from A. J. Peel, H. G. Wells