Editorial December 19, 1931 Issue

Salvation

Clifford P. Smith

Historians agree that Jesus was born at Bethlehem in Judea a few years before what began long afterward to be reckoned as the first year of the Christian era, but the date of his birth is not known positively. Christmas did not begin to be celebrated by Christians generally until two or three centuries had passed; then they were not agreed concerning the date to be observed. December 25 obtained general recognition in the fifth century. There is also a degree of uncertainty as to the day of the week. According to an early tradition, Jesus was born on Wednesday. So, Christian Scientists can be said to celebrate his advent every week by their Wednesday evening meetings, for in these meetings credit is given to whom credit is due.

Christian Scientists not only accept the accounts in the New Testament of the birth of Jesus from a virgin, but they also regard as important his birth in this exceptional way. Mrs. Eddy's presentation of this subject in her principal work (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 29:12–4) is not only beautiful and convincing to spiritual sense, but it also constitutes an appropriate and devout reading with which to celebrate Christmas.

Presumably the birth of Jesus may have more than one meaning, but it has this one, surely; that is, salvation. His birth and life signify salvation for all people in the way he showed. The watchful shepherds in the field near Bethlehem heard rightly when they heard the angel say: "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:8–11). An angel is "a message from Truth and Love" (Science and Health, p. 308), and the word in the foregoing message translated as "Lord" also means "Master."

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