Coexist

When I began to play organ for the Methodists and keyboards for the Catholics a few years back, I had never been exposed to mainline religion. Growing up as a Christian Scientist was more like being a lifelong Course in Miracles student than a Disciple of Christ devotee. We look at God and things like forgiveness, and salvation, and even sacrifice in a totally different way than your typical Christian. So when I first began attending these services, I was a bit taken aback at some of the ways they talked about Jesus, and even how they changed the Lord’s prayer from the St. James Bible version. But I clung to the things we had in common: the desire for peace and love to be expressed in all things we do. At this time of the year, the Methodists are re-dedicating themselves to their faith, and the Catholics are at the height of their rituals. Three years ago, I might have rolled my eyes about either of these services, but now I smile and am glad they are working toward loving everyone, not just people of their own tribe. May we all be so expansive!

"​Of old, the Jews put to death the Galilean Prophet,​ ​the best Christian on earth, for the truth he spoke and​ ​demonstrated, while today, Jew and Christian can unite​ ​in doctrine and denomination on the very basis of Jesus’​ ​words and works. The Jew believes that the Messiah Christ has not yet come; the Christian believes that​ ​Christ is God. Here Christian Science intervenes, explains these doctrinal points, cancels the disagreement,​ ​and settles the question. Christ, as the true spiritual idea,​ ​is the ideal of God now and forever, here and everywhere.​ ​The Jew who believes in the First Commandment is a​ ​monotheist; he has one omnipresent God. Thus the Jew​ ​unites with the Christian’s doctrine that God is come an​d ​is present now and forever. The Christian who believes​ ​in the First Commandment is a monotheist. Thus he​ ​virtually unites with the Jew’s belief in one God, and​ ​recognizes that Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself​ ​declared, but is the Son of God. This declaration of​ ​Jesus, understood, conflicts not at all with another of his​ ​sayings: ​'​I and my Father are one,​'​ — that is, one in​ ​quality, not in quantity. As a drop of water is one with​ ​the ocean, a ray of light one with the sun, even so God​ ​and man, Father and son, are one in being. The Scripture reads: ​'​For in Him we live, and move, and have​ ​our being.​'​”​ Mary Baker Eddy Science & Health Page 360:27​

Did Anyone Say That?

Unknown Origin

At duplicate bridge, two days before Christmas, someone adamantly stated he didn’t care if anyone else said “happy holidays”, but he was going to say “merry Christmas” and nobody was going to tell him not to do it. Never one to keep my mouth closed, I asked him if anyone had ever challenged him when he used this greeting. He admitted no one ever had. I asked if he knew of anyone who had experienced chastisement because of it: he did not. Then he told me he heard on television about plenty of people who “got in trouble” for saying it. Of course, that set me off because I knew exactly where he was hearing about the fictitious war on Christmas. Why must we be angry at others over anything, much less something which isn’t even true? When I think about how we have been set against each other by outlandish claims, I wonder how we came to such a state — but, more importantly, how we can leave it behind. I would like to get rid of any righteous indignation I may be harboring, as I can’t change that other guy, but I can certainly change me. But that doesn't preclude my speaking truth to error!

"Speak the truth to every form of error." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 418:28

Start Anew

photo credit: Aaron Springston

How do allegations of misconduct affect people, whether founded in truth or a malicious lie? We watched the 2019 Christmas special from Garrison Keillor, complete with his Prairie Home Companion entourage. I realized that this man is one of the best storytellers of all time. His delivery, his voice, the way he gives us outlandish details in an impromptu fashion, never boring us with these additions. But in the back of my mind, making itself known now and again, was the thought that he had been accused of sexual harassment. How could such a funny, friendly guy be a jerk? I examined it from many angles, and feel all right enjoying his show, although I won't forget he may be in disguise. I’m reminded of the ancient ritual of surrounding a criminal and telling the person about their good deeds and other fine things about them. Everyone can become as innocent as the day they were born, make amends for the illusions which they perpetrated, and go forward a new person. Happy Christmas and New Year!

"Be not afraid. We only start again an ancient journey long ago begun that but seems new. We have begun again upon a road we travelled on before and lost our way a little while. And now we try again. Our new beginning has the certainty the journey lacked till now. Look up and see His Word among the stars, where He has set your Name along with His. Look up and find your certain destiny the world would hide but God would have you see." A Course in Miracles -C-ep.3.

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I Wish You Truth!

photo credit: Jodie English Brown

I have loved resting on this beautiful, 70-degree Christmas Day -- and I trust you've been doing exactly what you want, too! I've always heard people complain about doing things they don't want to do on the holidays: spending time with people when they'd rather be alone, spending time alone when they'd rather be with people, etcetera. I wish you a new beginning based on what works for you! Truth is my guiding word for this time of rebirth. I wish you Truth in your every action and word. All the rest will follow happily along! Namaste, Love, Light, all that is good and true, I wish for you!

​"The advent of Jesus of Nazareth marked the first century of the Christian Era, but the Christ is without beginning of years or end of days. Throughou​t all generations both before and after the Christian Era, the Christ, as the spiritual idea — the reflection of God — has come with some measure of power and grace to all prepared to receive Christ, Truth.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 333

Merry Christmas, Friends!

About Christmas

Some thoughts from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy

Certain occasions, considered either collectively or individually and observed properly, tend to give the activity of man infinite scope; but mere merry-making or needless gift-giving is not that in which human capacities find the most appropriate and proper exercise. Christmas respects the Christ too much to submerge itself in merely temporary means and ends. (My. 259:23-39)

Observed by material sense, Christmas commemorates the birth of a human, material, mortal babe — a babe born in a manger amidst the flocks and herds of a Jewish village.

This homely origin of the babe Jesus falls far short of my sense of the eternal Christ, Truth, never born and never dying. (My. 262:6-12)

In Christian Science, Christmas stands for the real, the absolute and eternal, — for the things of Spirit, not of matter. Science is divine; it hath no partnership with human means and ends, no half-way stations. Nothing conditional or material belongs to it. (My. 260:9-13)

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. 

I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth's appearing. (My 262:20-30)

More To Silence Than Silence

PC: Richard Quick
Eureka Springs, AR

Today I got a handwritten, two-page letter from an old friend. I’ve been pondering something she said: “I thought I’d get a glimpse of the finish line when I discovered the silence. Now I’m finding that there’s more to silence than silence. That’s alright. I’m parked right where I want to be. Is there anything more powerful than God’s grace?” I love this so much! It brings me peace to know my old friend is right where she wants to be. It’s a Christmas miracle that she’s telling me these things about her journey. This has brought me such joy that I encourage all of you to let your brothers and siste​rs​​ in Spirit know what’s going on with you on this deeply personal level. Merry Christmas everyone!

​"Scientific pathology illustrates the digestion of spiritual nutriment as both sweet and bitter, -- sweet in expectancy and bitter in experience or during the senses' assimilation thereof, and digested only when Soul silences the dyspepsia of sense." ​Mary Baker Eddy - Miscellany Page 230

Say What You Mean

Communications are difficult. Face-to-face talking can be confusing, but we have a chance to ask questions and clarify points. Today I’m thinking of the confusion which comes about even when people are working together, but someone misunderstands and doesn’t speak up. A situation I’m watching from the inside is increasingly sad. Two people began not speaking to each other, even though they work together at least once a week. This is happening within a choir in a church which teaches tolerance in what is called a “reconciling ministry”. I watch in disbelief while one person becomes increasingly sure the other is wrong in decisions about leading the group. And the director is so hurt by these actions that he has become sensitive to the smallest questioning of his leadership. Communications are non-existent and folks have begun taking sides. As usual, I didn’t notice there was a problem until it erupted today with a couple of choir singers walking away from their seats and sitting in the audience. Everyone feels bad, yet not many people even know why — including myself! This is yet another of many wake-up calls I’m having these days. Bringing thought back to Love rather than condemnation, understanding instead of self-righteous indignation, compassionate acknowledgement of what is — these are the traits I will strive to demonstrate as we end this year and begin anew. The Christ is being reborn in every moment. We need but acknowledge it! 

"Fear not to recognize the whole idea of sacrifice as solely of your making.  And seek not safety by attempting to protect yourself from where it is not. Your brothers and your Father have become very fearful to you. And you would bargain with them for a few special relationships, in which you think you see some scraps of safety. Do not try longer to keep apart your thoughts and the Thought that has been given you. When they are brought together and perceived where they are, the choice between them is nothing more than a gentle awakening, and as simple as opening your eyes to daylight when you have no more need of sleep." A Course in Miracles T-15.XI.1.