12/23: The advent of the Christ

1. Deborah, Canberra says:

Sarah, thank you for this beautiful thought. We can recognise the Christ idea clearly wherever we go … I will especially use this over this holiday season when I am visiting family and friends.

2. Gary in Nanaimo says:

Thank you Sarah. I was today thinking about and then discussing the universal nature of the Christ with a newspaper reporter. I like the concept that Christ- like qualities are universal. Christ is in the word Christmas and we all need to learn and understand more about this idea and its expression.
Thanks again for your expression.

3. Marietta says:

Sarah, thanks for this wonderful idea – I like it very much!

I wish all of you around the world a Christmas time, full of blessings and joy,

many greetings from Germany to all of you and thanks so much for these wonderful daily lifts.

4. Debra from Kona Hawaii says:

Thank you for the timeless presence of Christ that supports us, loves us, blesses us, heals us and moves our thoughts to a more spiritual outlook. Mahalo Nui Loa

5. Anonymous says:

When looking for the meaning of the word, “advent”, I found that means “arrival that has been awaited”, ”something very important”, it’s also the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas. I also found it to be the translation of the Greek word, “parusía”, which means, “presence” or “arrival”. To me this means “Joyful expectative”, and it reflects the feelings that I am getting at Christmas time. These feelings are so good that come with the stronger feeling of sharing. Sharing something, even just sharing the good I have by passing it along with some Christian Science article. After all, those articles have done me so much good that I know they carry blessings wherever they go. Nothing explains my feelings better than the Christian Science hymn 58 when it says:

Come we daily then, dear Father,
Open hearts and willing hands,
Eager ears, expectant, joyful,
Ready for Thy right commands.

Cuando buscaba el significado de la palabra, “adviento”, hallé que significa “llegada esperada”, “algo muy importante”, también es la temporada que incluye las cuatro semanas que preceden a la Navidad. También hallé que es la traducción de la palabra griega, “parusía”, que significa, “presencia” o “llegada”. Para mí esto significa “expectativa gozosa”, y refleja los sentimientos que tengo en la época de Navidad. Estos sentimientos son tan buenos que vienen con la sensación más fuerte de compartir. Compartir algo, aunque sea compartir el bien que tengo al pasarlo a otro junto con algún artículo de la Ciencia Cristiana. Después de todo estos artículos me han hecho tanto bien que yo estoy segura que llevan bendiciones dondequiera que vayan. Nada explica mis sentimientos mejor que el hymno 58 de la Ciencia Cristiana cuando dice:

Hacia Ti hoy vamos Padre,
Muy abierto el corazón,
Jubilosos, expectantes,
listos para Tu misión

6. Bruce (from Oz) says:

Have a lovely Christmas Sarah.

7. Carol Christensen says:

Sarah, your love and caring for people is astonishing.
As a retired teacher, I remember giving the positives to my students, each and every day. Thank-You for your Wonderful message regarding instilling pride, and making people feel proud. Isn’t it a fantastic feeling expressing inspiration. Especially during the Hoiday Season.Our greatest gifts are respect and honor.
,

8. Diane in London says:

Thanks to all of you that bring us these fresh inspirations as Daily Gifts each day. They lift thought up to see more of the advent of the Christ in action in our daily lives. What a special present to share each day right around the world – have a wonderful holiday!

9. Mary says:

Thank you Sarah for this clear meaning of the word “advent”. I love what you said here about “looking for the Christ in people we meet”. What a great healing and blessing this could be for each one of us as we go about our day. This idea would have to “lift” our thoughts out of those constant ideas we sometimes have of ourselves and others. I’m going about my day “looking for the Christ” in everyone I see and talk to today!

10. Sue in Maine says:

If we consciously watch for the evidence of the Christ in others, we see it. My daughter and I shopped in maybe ten different places yesterday and were blessed with the most patient, happy and helpful salespeople. As we left each store we became more and more light-hearted and couldn’t stop expressing gratitude aloud for our amazing day. Clearly, we were recognizing the Christ-qualities in everyone. Every need was met and more. I have been so uplifted by starting each day with the messages from this site, especially at this season when light overcomes the darkness. Thanks so much!

11. Sue says:

Thank you or this precious message. Here I go to practice sharing the Love of the Christ with everyone I meet today.

12. Jackson from Brazil says:

Thank you very much Sarah! Can express the advent of the Christ-idea, substantially, around 2 min is a living proof that the heart that received it with humility is able to experience it and share it in love, compassion and inclusion in everyday life! Thank you for illustrating the advent of the “spiritual sense” of Christianity, which Mrs. Eddy ilustrated as ‘a living, palpitating presence of Christ’ in the mega-seller book: SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES, p. 351: “… this spiritual sense was a present help. It was the living, palpitating presence of Christ, Truth, which healed the sick. ”

(In Portuguese:)

Muito obrigado Sarah. Conseguir expressar o advento da ideia-Cristo, substancialmente, em torno de 2 min é uma prova viva de que o coração que a recebeu em humildade está habilitado para vivencia-la e compartilha-la em amor, compaixão e inclusão no cotidiano! Obrigado por ilustrar o advento do ’sentido espiritual’ do Cristianismo, a qual a Sra. Eddy, ilustrou como ‘a presença viva e palpitante do Cristo’ no mega-seller CIÊNCIA E SAÚDE COM A CHAVE DAS ESCRITURAS, p. 351: “….esse sentido espiritual tornou-se um socorro presente. Era a presença viva e palpitante do Cristo, a Verdade, que curava os doentes.”

13. Linda Snorek says:

Sarah, what a wonderful way to bring the real Christmas reason to all. Thanks for another way to express more love this season. Every perfect gift comes from above and the gift of loving the real Christ-like qualities is surely the best one.

14. Ruby says, says:

Thank you, Sarah. Such beautiful words. It is always wonderful to have something to look forward to, now i’ll look forward to seeing God’s image and likeness in everyone I meet and use every opportunity to let them know how special they are. Thanks to each and every one of you who respond!

15. melanie from Chile says:

Thank you Sarah for such a wonderful thought!
It goes hand in hand with the advent calendar that was mentioned
in another daily lift(?) where each window opened up to a Christ-like
quality that the entire family could cherish & express during that particular day
& throughout the whole upcoming year!
Warmest greetings to all!

16. Rick says:

I like it! Sarah you have blessed many with healing by suggesting this very practical way of demonstrating the Christ message.

17. Sammie in Texas says:

Yes! I am grateful this morning to rise up and hear and read the words you shared, Sarah. The day is dawning into a glorious one. I, too, wish all of the Lecturers and the responders a glorious Christmas. The Christ-like qualities are abundantly around us and and with us and we bow before our Father and give thanks.

18. Mike Jackson says:

Thanks for helping me connect the dots to the spiritual meaning of the Advent Sarah. Merry Christmas!

19. Susan from PA says:

Thank you, for a wonderful thought!

20. George Lott says:

Thank you for such a clear, uplifting, and inspiring message that everyone can understand and practice each and every day. A very Merry Christmas to All!

21. Paul Marthaler says:

I am back from a wonderful cruise which took me to South America! My visit to the churches of Christ, Scientist on my trip was certainly one of the most joyous experiences I had. People around the world, all expressing gratitude and joy for Chrisitian Science! It was marvelous, and I extend to all of you out there wishes and prayers for a great and meaningful celebration of the Christ in each of us…..

22. Julie says:

Wonderful! Thanks so much for this true sense of “advent.”

23. Mary H says:

Thank you, what a wonderful way to see that all are the expression of the Christ even a small dog can feel the love of the Christ and can become friendly. Merry Christmas to all.

24. Anne S., Nova Scotai says:

Recognizing the Christ in everyone we meet — including those close to us –is the perfect gift of Love. One that gives back as well! Thank you Sarah for this expectant, advent thought as I embark on my Christmas tasks…! I loved the upbeat music today; thanks Nate!

25. Marilyn from Maine says:

What a wonderful gift we can give each other — seeing the reality of our pure, perfect, colorful, permanent being. Thanks to Sarah and to everyone for wonderful comments — hands joining around the world. Happy Christmas to all.

26. Jan J – Grass Valley, CA says:

Thank you so much! How does the song go? It was sung in “Christmas Presence” in the The Mother Church program on Sunday. Here’s the link: http://christianscience.com/christmas-presence.html
Something like this: “May the Christ in me see the Christ in you.” Such a beautiful message.

27. Jim in Charleston, SC says:

Thanks Sarah, what a great present to give to our loved one’s this Christmas to see the Christlike qualities in them and tell them so they recognize their own expression of the Christ…and thanks for your expression as well.
Merry Christmas!

28. Peter says:

Your thought, expressed so beautifully, has already made this Christmas season more special and with a higher view.

29. Joyce says:

Sarah,

Thank you for this timely message. I read it just in time to revise my annual family Christmas news letter to include each family member in the universal nature of the Christ.

30. Marilyn from Idaho says:

The words “May the Christ in me meet the Christ in you and together we glorify God. ” I am looking forward to my family coming this Christmas day so I can appreciate and tell them so. Thanks for this lovely reminder. Thanks for all the comments, I do so love the LIFT.

31. Elena desde California (San Diego) says:

When looking for the meaning of the word, “advent”, I found that means “arrival that has been awaited”, ”something very important”, it’s also the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas. I also found it to be the translation of the Greek word, “parusía”, which means, “presence” or “arrival”. To me this means “Joyful expectative”, and it reflects the feelings that I am getting at Christmas time. These feelings are so good that come with the stronger feeling of sharing. Sharing something, even just sharing the good I have by passing it along with some Christian Science article. After all, those articles have done me so much good that I know they carry blessings wherever they go. Nothing explains my feelings better than the Christian Science hymn 58 when it says:

Come we daily then, dear Father,
Open hearts and willing hands,
Eager ears, expectant, joyful,
Ready for Thy right commands.

Cuando buscaba el significado de la palabra, “adviento”, hallé que significa “llegada esperada”, “algo muy importante”, también es la temporada que incluye las cuatro semanas que preceden a la Navidad. También hallé que es la traducción de la palabra griega, “parusía”, que significa, “presencia” o “llegada”. Para mí esto significa “expectativa gozosa”, y refleja los sentimientos que tengo en la época de Navidad. Estos sentimientos son tan buenos que vienen con la sensación más fuerte de compartir. Compartir algo, aunque sea compartir el bien que tengo pasándolo a otro junto con algún artículo de la Ciencia Cristiana. Después de todo estos artículos me han hecho tanto bien que yo estoy segura que llevan bendiciones dondequiera que vayan. Nada explica mis sentimientos mejor que el hymno 58 de la Ciencia Cristiana cuando dice:

Hacia Ti hoy vamos Padre,
Muy abierto el corazón,
Jubilosos, expectantes,
listos para Tu misión

32. sabrina says:

Thank you Sarah. I will do as you did and thank a difficult one who was abused, for his help with my computer nonskills. He must know of his worth to me and others, “We have the mind of Christ” as Paul said.

33. Susan Carol says:

I love how you met individually with each member of your family and shared what Christly quality you saw in them! Oh how their heart was blessed! This is a practical idea and one that blesses the giver and recipient and I’m going to do it also! Thanks so much Sarah! Merry Christmas to all of you!

34. Sophie says:

Thank you for the wonderful lift this morning. It helped me to understand the spiritual meaning of the Advent, Thanks also #5 for your mention of hymn #58.
I love the part which says “open hearts and willing hands.” This reminds me of my three children, who are learning to express more love and joy in their lives. Merry Christmas one and all.

35. patty says:

I so love this idea! I’m going to start with my family members. I don’t think they hear enough how special they each are and what fine and good qualities they express….and just what a joy they are in my life.
Thank you!

36. Cindy H., Virginia says:

This morning, my local newspaper reported a heart-warming story which illustrates the the Christ Love. A trucker, driving in our snow-covered East Coast, took a wrong turn and got her semi rig stranded and stuck on an unplowed and icy road in a small neighborhood. The community responded with care– showers, places to rest, food– literally took her “under their wing.” And the next day many came out to dig the truck out so it could be on its way. This is truly Love in action, blessing all.

37. Leah says:

This is so beautiful and loving! Thank you!

38. Rahla in La Canada Flintridge, CA says:

Thank you for this wonderfully inspiring idea. We have family coming in from out of state whom we see rarely, and I will surely take the opportunity to spend a few moment with each of them, just telling them how much they are loved and how special they are. Blessings to you all and much love.

39. Anonymous says:

This Advent thought is the best gift we could give another!
It even comes back and blesses us.
BCB in Savannah

40. Jeanne says:

This Daily Lift is the perfect gift–reminding us of how to have and share a loving and joy-filled holiday. Thank you so much!

41. Carra Riley Williams, AZ says:

The Christ idea… is in all of us!

Thanks for making it so simple!

42. Laura says:

I loved this Daily Lift. Thank you! This joyful exercise of seeing the appearance of the Christ in everyone brings such joy, light, and expectancy of good to my present experience. What a blessing!

43. antoine & hannie RDCongo boma orphelinat says:

Sarah dans la vie de nos enfants et nous le message de Christ st prioritaire pour nous.Une benediction pour nous et grâce.

44. ROB NAGEL says:

WHOA BABY…THAT WAS REALLY, REALLY GOOD. THANKS, SARAH

45. Robert Tillotson says:

Sarah, Thank you for that loving reminder. I do so appreciate this wonderful thoughts expressed in the Daily Lift. I goes together with my reading of the lesson each day. Thank you again.

46. di-vanc says:

(from Hymn 46)

Thou my daily task shalt give;
Day by day to Thee I live;
So shall added years fulfill
Not my own, my Father’s will.

(Hymn 170)
Let every creature hail the morn
On which the holy child was born
And know, through God’s exceeding grace,
Release from things of time and place.
I listen, from no mortal tongue,
To hear the song the angels sung,
And wait within myself to know
The Christmas lilies bud and blow.

The outward symbols disappear
From him whose inward sight is clear,
And small must be the choice of days
To him who fills them all with praise.
Keep while ye need it, brothers mine,
With honest zeal your Christmas sign,
But judge not him who every morn
Feels in his heart the Lord Christ born.

Thank you!

47. joyohler@aol.com says:

Within the pages of Science and Health; We learn…”Christ. The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.”
Life’s manifestations of ordered thought replaces erronious incarnations of disordered thinking with Truth. This is the healing power of Truth demonstrated always and is timeless. Merry Christmas.

48. Charli says:

What a helpful idea at this time of year, something to ponder about as we generally think of all our friends and family at the Christmas season. As we reflect on an individual, we can remember a quality of God that turly expresses their being. And it is fun to take this idea into our daily activity as we complete our shopping or attend a Christmas event, recognizing each person we see in their spiritual light. Seeing the Christ in every person we encounter. To me, this is the real Christmas spirit.

49. Connie says:

I so appreciate your lovely, uplifting message today, Sarah. Each lecturer, announcer and commenter has been giving of their ” .. heart’s rich overflow…” ever since these Daily Lifts started, and I always look forward to listening to them (even though it is usually in the afternoon rather than early in the morning.) At times I feel that they correspond to the wqrds of a hymn which state: “And o’er earth’s troubled, angry sea I see Christ walk, and come to me and tenderly, divinely talk.” Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas.

50. Maria Elvira – Brasil says:

Thank you, Sarah for your loving contribuition for our advent season!
I should say that my advent season this year is indeed much richer than before.
These daily lifts reaching me every day with inspiring and powerful thoughts
are making my Christmas season a lot more blessed and enriching.
Thank you very much again, and Merry Christmas for all of you from the Board of Lectures and my whole family worldwide as well!

51. Sarah Hyatt says:

#49 Connie, I also love thinking about the implications of that line from Mary Baker Eddy’s poem, Christ My Refuge: “And o’er earth’s troubled, angry sea/ I see Christ walk,/ and come to me and tenderly,/ Divinely talk.” It draws on Jesus’ promise to send us another Comforter (John 14): “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” Christmas is a precious reminder to watch for the fulfilling of that promise each and every moment. Have a joyous Christmas everyone!

52. Marion from Hobart says:

Thank you Sarah. How uplifting it is to look for the Christ in everyone. I like to look for the goodwill that is evident in many places at this season. It is rather like Marceil’s Lift a few days ago to keep looking at the star as the wisemen did and not at the darkness (the material celebrations which seem so rampant at this time). Thanks so much to all our lecturers who give these inspiring Lifts each day. And peace and joy and love to all our worldwide “Daily Lifters”.

53. Prince says:

Love made All One and BEAUTIFUL.The smile We share is the Christ within blessing with Harmony,alerting All of His Arrival(Omni-present).See All Man with the Eye of Love,and You’ll marvel the Beauty Mind will Project.Thank You Dearly Sis Sarah.

54. Lona. Queensland AU says:

What a lovely way to end this day 24th December, by hearing your lovely message. Thank you so much.

55. Lona. Queensland AU says:

What a lovely message to hear as this day draws to a close. So close to Christmas and so many lovely ideas to fill ones heart. Thank you.

56. joyce gwyneth says:

I just loved that message. Thanks so much.

57. linrox says:

perfect, thank you.

58. carolyn says:

thank you for this beautiful message

59. lin says:

I actually am reading this the day after Christmas. With the supposed let-down of all the Christmas activities thinking of the Christ in me that recognizes the Christ in you keeps me truly up!

Thank you all for these daily blessings and lifts. It is the best gift.

60. Paula from Clearwater says:

Thank you Sarah for your beautiful reminder of the ever-present Christ, always there for us – fresh, responsive and uplifting, truly blessing each of us in exactly the way that is needed – it certainly moves out the cobwebs…Love,

61. Chrissie Brown says:

Sarah, thanks so much for this special message. I am reading it after Christmas and I just realized that someone did exactly the same thing to me on Christmas Day. I tried to brush it aside but now I can tell that my friend was honoring the Christ. Very special indeed to see the Christ in others and in yourself every day. Love, Chrissie

62. Judy G says:

After a flurry of activity over the past week…loved ones visiting, I have finally heard the Daily Lifts that had piled up in my email – more than a week after this first appeared.. This is the most precious message and such a healing thought to go forth with into the new year.

Thank you for helping us remember to look for the Christ in each one and cherish what we see…and let others know we recognize it. What a gift for them and for us.