Guest Editorial December 22, 2014 Issue

A manger in the heart

Barbara M. Vining

It is natural for Christian churches to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, the human appearance of the Savior, the Son of God. Many have special services, celebratory musical productions, and Bible-related pageantry during the Christmas season. I enjoyed these beautiful events in the church I grew up in, and over the years I have enjoyed occasionally attending them in churches in my community.

I find myself, however, deeply moved day by day throughout the year by the quieter way The Church of Christ, Scientist—my church for many decades—celebrates the coming of Christ. Regardless of which day of the week December 25th falls on, church services are held on Sunday and Wednesday as usual, without any extra services. And that’s all right, because the Sunday sermon—read from the Bible, and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy—is squarely centered on the coming of Christ and on Christ’s continuing healing and saving mission.

Christmas week and every other week, these passages are studied and embraced daily in the life of congregants during the week before the service. Also, other selections from the Bible and Science and Health, which are read at the Wednesday evening services, explore Christ Jesus’ teachings. During these services, individuals testify to the inspiration, reformation, and healings they have experienced as the result of welcoming the Christ, Truth, into their thoughts, hearts, and lives.

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