Article December 21, 1935 Issue

True Christmas Gifts

WINSTON G. MITCHELL

Long ago, in the quiet little town of Bethlehem, amid surroundings of the greatest simplicity, dawned the first Christmas Day. Would it not be well for us, at each recurring Christmas, to let thought dwell for a time on the spiritual calm that marked that first Christmas? The patient watchfulness of the shepherds, the protecting care of Joseph, the sweet purity of the Virgin-mother, the innocence of the child, blend into a scene of utmost serenity.

What a contrast exists between the quiet celebration of the first Christmas and a merely material observance of the Christmas season! How we need to rise above the confusion of the world thought to the serenity of the Christ-spirit! Christian Scientists are grateful that their Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has clearly corrected the false sense about Christmas. In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 259) she has written, "Mere merry-making or needless gift-giving is not that in which human capacities find the most appropriate and proper exercise."

To Christian Scientists each recurring Christmas should bring a deeper serenity of thought, a more exalted purpose, a holier joy. These are the true gifts that the wise men of today lay at the feet of the Christ, defined by our Leader in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583) as 'the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error." Perhaps one may ask, But how may we bring these gifts? The answer must surely be, Through ever closer communion with God and ever-increasing receptivity to the Christ, "the divine manifestation of God." Such communion and receptivity lift human thought above the discords of earth into the very atmosphere of heaven, where the true Christmas spirit ever prevails.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
God's Will
December 21, 1935
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit