Article December 20, 2010 Issue

The happiest Christmas I ever had

When my church family helped the less fortunate, it transformed my view of the Christmas season.

BY JOHN OGUTA

Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "Christmas to me is the reminder of God's great gift,—His spiritual idea, man and the universe,—a gift which so transcends mortal, material, sensual giving that the merriment, mad ambition, rivalry, and ritual of our common Christmas seem a human mockery in mimicry of the real worship in commemoration of Christ's coming" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 262). Christmas is an outpouring of the Father's abundant love for all His children.

In addition to reminding us of our own spiritual nature, Christmas proclaims the message that divine Spirit is with us, sustaining, preserving, and guiding us always. In an account of Jesus' birth, Matthew speaks of this constant nearness of God when he echoes Isaiah: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matt. 1:23).

There are many reasons to love the Christmas season and all that it brings: the reunion of families, the joy, happiness, and cheer that demonstrate the deeper spiritual significance of the season and its wonderful promise to humanity. Christmas reminds us of the unconditional love expressed in the life of Christ Jesus, who exemplified generosity and true love for humanity.