Christmas is such a joyous time of year. I love decorating (and seeing others’ decorations), singing carols, and picking out presents for friends and family. 

One December many years ago when I was a full-time teacher, I was particularly busy trying to get ready for Christmas. A few days before the holiday break, I was not feeling well. My throat was sore, and I had trouble swallowing, particularly solid food.

During the break, as my husband and I began a long drive to spend Christmas with his family, it also became difficult for me to swallow liquids, talk, or help with any of the driving. Along the way, we stayed in a hotel overnight, and I asked my husband to call a Christian Science practitioner to pray for me. My husband spoke with the practitioner initially, since I couldn’t talk, and then handed me the telephone to listen to the uplifting thoughts she shared about God, Spirit, and my wholly spiritual nature as His creation.