Article February 1, 1982 Issue

Cherishing the babe

JUDITH ANN HARDY

The wise men cherished the Bethlehem babe by bringing him gifts befitting the nobility of his spirituality and mission; the shepherds, by publicly praising God for the prophecy fulfilled in the Saviour's birth. Mary cherished her babe by giving him a mother's care and by pondering in her heart God's precious promises and prophecies concerning his calling.

That the whole world didn't appreciate this infant was no hindrance to the fervent cherishing of him by those who did. Nor could their fewness hinder Christ Jesus' growth "in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man"^{Luke 2:52.} until he fulfilled his mission to prove for all mankind the true nature of God, Love, and His expression, man.

"In different ages the divine idea assumes different forms, according to humanity's needs," writes Mrs. Eddy. "In this age it assumes, more intelligently than ever before, the form of Christian healing. This is the babe we are to cherish."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 370.}