Doubtless to many hearts at the approach of the holiday season there comes the remembrance of happy family reunions, when loved ones from far and near returned home to sit at the festal board and to gather cosily around the Yule log. At such times love and happiness seemed to reign supreme, and in retrospection the great need is to gather the lessons of such experiences and press on to higher joys.
The writer, to human sense without close family ties, last Christmas eve found himself alone. The day had been busily spent sending greetings and gifts to friends, and also in an endeavor to make some individuals, seemingly in need, more comfortable. Toward the close of the afternoon, however, he suddenly felt a deep sense of loneliness. Hurrying crowds of men and women with happy faces, laughing and chatting, their arms piled high with parcels, suggested Christmas firesides of good will and cheer. Selfishness whispered to him that he had no home, that he was to be pitied, and in listening to the argument of the serpent the writer pictured himself as a very unhappy being. At this point, however, divine Love whispered to him to go to the Christian Science reading room and study the Lesson-Sermon. Obeying this behest he entered a reading room, but except for the librarian the place was deserted. Again error suggested that there was no companionship even there, that every one was getting ready for Christmas, that he was quite alone, no matter where he might go.
Mechanically sitting down to the reading desk, the study of the Lesson-Sermon was begun, and gradually, as the study continued, peace was heard knocking at the door of thought; but the door was opened only a little way. Finally the last section of the Lesson was reached and the Bible was opened at these words in the sixty-sixth chapter of Isaiah: "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem." Here Mrs. Eddy's definition of Jerusalem in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 589) was looked up. It reads: "Mortal belief and knowledge obtained from the five corporeal senses; the pride of power and the power of pride; sensuality; envy; oppression; tyranny. Home, heaven."
