Upfront November 26, 2012 Issue

Be ready to receive a blessing

Maike Byrd

Carolyn Decillo—Staff

In Germany, where I grew up, many people light candles on what is called an “advent” wreath, in the four weeks before Christmas. This is to celebrate the advent, or coming, of Christ Jesus over 2,000 years ago. One candle is lit the first Sunday, and another one is added every Sunday. Most kids can’t wait until all four are lit, because that means it’s time for Christmas! 

The very best part of Christmas, of course, is—no, not gifts!—but receiving the light of the Christ in your heart. I love what 7-year-old Bobby said in a video on Youtube.com: “Love is something in the room on Christmas. When you stop unwrapping presents and listen, you can hear it.” 

To be sure, we don’t have to wait for Christmas to feel this closeness of Love. God is sending the Christ, His message of Truth and Love, to us during all times and seasons of the year, bringing peace, joy, and healing to our lives. When you listen to thoughts that are loving, forgiving, and humble, instead of those that may be fearful, angry, and impatient, you know that the Christ has come to you. Mary Baker Eddy, the woman who founded the Sentinel, wrote that “the Christ, as the spiritual idea,—the reflection of God,—has come with some measure of power and grace to all prepared to receive Christ, Truth” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 333).