The first Christmas...

When Jesus was born the wise men came to see him from the east bearing gifts. Simultaneously Herod, the governor of the region, was also searching for Jesus, though not to bring him gifts. Herod was afraid of what this “King of the Jews,” would do and how he might usurp Herod's power over the region (Matthew 2:2).

Christmas is a good time to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and pursuits. Are we searching for a glimpse of God’s creation with such interest that we would offer our treasures for it? Or are we filled with fear of losing our material status and possessions?

When he was older Jesus himself had to face this question. After 40 days of fasting in the wilderness he was tempted to reflect on “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,” realizing he had the opportunity to possess them, if he pursued a path of material ambitions like Herod (Matthew 4:8). Jesus, however, recognized this temptation as coming from "Satan" or the "carnal mind" (as St. Paul calls it), the opposite of good; and, so he turned forever away from it.

Herod’s pursuits had promised power, money, and satisfaction. But the fear Herod felt of losing this materiality was an inherent side-effect of his pursuits. This is the nature of material ambition. It never fully delivers what it promises, and often the side-effects far outweigh any possible benefit gained from them.

It is not hard to imagine that Herod was never fully satisfied, no matter how much power and money he obtained. And so intense was his fear that he ordered the murder of every child two years or younger when he heard of Jesus’ birth in an attempt to eliminate the threat (Matthew 2:16).

Jesus’ spiritual pursuits provided the real goodness which matter always promises but never delivers. The Bible tells us that Jesus healed multitudes of sickness and sin, multiplied food to feed the crowds that followed him, and even raised people from death. But the most satisfying aspect was not all the healings he effected, but the drawing closer to God, good, through the demonstration of his spiritual understanding. He gained a deeper love, patience, kindness, trust in God, and so many other spiritual qualities.

Because of his healing works, Jesus was brought before Herod. He faced crucifixion for blasphemy and other charges. Herod was anxious to see him do some miracle because of all that he had heard of Jesus. But Jesus stood in front of him silently. Herod never saw the glory of which the wise men rejoiced. Instead, he and his friends mocked Jesus and sent him away.

The story of Jesus would become the most told story in history and Herod would forever be tainted by his role in Jesus’ persecution. He would become an example of evil, the opposite of the good he was curious about.

For many, the Christmas season offers a time to celebrate with family, take a break from work, and reflect on the year that is coming to an end. We may find a bigger opportunity than this when we reflect on the events leading up to the first Christmas, when a virgin named Mary was visited by an angel foretelling her conception of Jesus.

This story is about much more than the conception of a religious figure. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science puts it this way: ”Mary's conception of Jesus was spiritual, for only purity could reflect Truth and Love, which were plainly incarnate in the good and pure Christ Jesus.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 332:26–29).

In essence, the virgin Mary’s purity allowed her to conceive of the real man of God’s creation, who according to the first book of Genesis, had dominion over everything. Could Christmas this year be a time for our conception of man to be purified? Could it be a time of spiritual inspiration and joy like we have never experienced before? And what would we be willing to give for this understanding of who we are as God’s child?

Centuries before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah foresaw that, “unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful…” (Isaiah 9:6).

Though the first Christmas will forever hold a special place in history, in a broader sense, Christmas is not a one-time event. It is not even a yearly event. Christmas is a time for us to reflect on our spiritual journeys, to conceive of God’s wonderful creation, man, to understand His son, Christ Jesus, better, and to find that real substance which causes us to willingly offer up our earthly treasures.

Merry Christmas everyone!