Articles

Many times in moments of perplexity and fear, in the midst of confusion or pain, we have been comforted and sustained by an angel thought, a swift message from divine Love reaching us through a well-loved Bible verse or through some inspiring lines from Mary Baker Eddy's writings! Often these healing messages have strengthened and sustained us, lifting us out of our distress and bringing us the needed peace and calm. They sometimes come to us with an almost startling suddenness, arising from the fact that these particular thoughts may not have been entertained for months, or even for a far longer period of time, yet there they are when needed, vivid and vital, glowing with strength and inspiration.

The beloved disciple John tells us that "God is love. " Love is the infinite Giver.

" Abide in me, and I in you," was the Master's injunction to his followers. Here is a command, gentle in its entreaty, but so full of promise in its implications that few there are who have not felt its persuasive animus and longed to obey it.

It is recorded in the seventeenth chapter of Exodus that at one time, when the armies of Israel were engaged in battle with the armies of the Amalekites, Moses "went up to the top of the hill" to pray to the Almighty for the victory of the armies of Israel. "And it came to pass," the story relates, "when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Genuine gratitude may be likened to ''the aroma of Spirit," of which Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 191, 192) , "Mind, God, sends forth the aroma of Spirit, the atmosphere of intelligence.

In a world torn apart by the conflict which has been raging, most people are shocked when told to rejoice, and the questions are asked: "What have I to rejoice over? How can anyone rejoice in these times?" And yet, in spite of all outward appearances, now is the time to rejoice. That is part of the prescription which will heal the dis-ease prevalent all over the globe.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, as established by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, contains within it all that is thought of as the Christian Science movement. The divine concept of Church, in its appearing, embraces and promotes all the activity of Christian Science.

In the village of Nazareth, which lies among the Galilean hills, there dwelt "a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary" ( Luke 1:27 ). Thus with characteristic simplicity the Gospel writer introduces us to the maiden whose son was to be hailed as king of the Jews and Saviour of the world.

What qualities do I consider most attractive, most worthy of cherishing? is a question that the student of Christian Science may advantageously ask himself. The answer is important because the qualities which one manifests shape one's character and determine one's environment.

Are you thinking of Christmas simply as a day of festivity, a day for meeting friends and relatives? Are you happy or sad, at home or in far-off lands? Are you mourning for the absent one or fearing for the one far from home? Are you disquieted in any way? If so, let us consider the real meaning of Christmas. Calvin Coolidge once said of Christmas: "Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind.