FROM THE EDITORS December 19, 2005 Issue

'INFINITE MEANINGS . . . MANIFOLD BLESSINGS'

This holiday season , some people perhaps are feeling so concerned about the world's harsh complexities that they might find it difficult to muster the goodwill they would normally feel. Natural disasters, threats of epidemics, economic uncertainties caused by energy shortages, wars that drag on too long, and even the emptiness of too much buying, have the potential to dampen the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Despite such challenges, some continue to cast their bread of inner peace on these turbulent waters. And the constant need for individual spiritual progress continues to be nourished by the still-resonating tidings of peace, joy, goodwill, and hope announced by the angels in the starlit skies over the stable in which Jesus was born.

The founder of the Sentinel, Mary Baker Eddy, looking beyond the turbulent turn-of-the century times in which she lived, wrote, "The splendor of this nativity of Christ reveals infinite meanings and gives manifold blessings." And with a more personal touch she said, "I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth's appearing" (see p. 22). It would certainly be difficult to think of a better way for any of us to approach this year's holiday season.

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