When the Magi followed the star to Bethlehem, they were expectant of seeing the promised Messiah. Obedient to divine direction, they journeyed faithfully, took gifts, were filled with reverence and joy, and acknowledged the divine significance of the babe. And in this familiar and beloved happening we find a vital pattern for understanding the Wednesday testimony meeting in Christian Science churches.
In her article "The Cry of Christmas-tide" Mrs. Eddy writes of the appearing of the Christ, Truth, to human thought: "In different ages the divine idea assumes different forms, according to humanity's needs. In this age it assumes, more intelligently than ever before, the form of Christian healing. This is the babe we are to cherish. This is the babe that twines its loving arms about the neck of omnipotence, and calls forth infinite care from His loving heart." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 370;
We might think of a Wednesday evening testimony meeting as an hour for viewing "the babe." Without this babe, without an intelligent perception of God's scientific healing power eternally available to humanity, there could be no meeting. And without the understanding and demonstration of spiritual power on earth, what is the Cause of Christian Science? This Cause could not be thoroughly Christian if it were not characterized by the same healing love that constituted Christ Jesus' dynamic ministry. And it certainly could not be Science without the power to give consistent proofs of its premise: that God, infinite Mind, is All-in-all. So the Wednesday meeting testifies to the actual presence and significance of this babe. Is this not something to be cherished?
