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Embrace the Knowledge of Christ this Christmas — Bear Witness to Peace and Healing!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“Christian Science”

for December 21-27, 2015

Prepared by: Kathy Fitzer, CS (St. Louis, MO and Park City, UT)
314-323-4083 kathyfitzer@gmail.com

[To Download Cobbey Crisler commentaries on several Bible citations go to
CedarS online version of this Met.]

I enjoyed considering this week’s lesson on Christian Science in the context of the celebration of Christmas. Mrs. Eddy writes, “Christian Science and Christianity are one.” (S&H 372: 17-18) This lesson gives us the opportunity to see the truth of this statement. Christian Science could be thought of as “the knowledge of Christ.” Knowing Christ means recognizing the light that destroys the darkness of sin, disease, and death, in order to respond to it. It means embracing the universal Principle of Love that destroys hate and fear. It means accepting the rule of healing as God’s standard — as demonstrable now, as it was by Jesus.

Golden Text: The shepherds had seen the star hanging over Bethlehem. The promised Messiah had arrived! And, then the Bible tells us that a whole choir of angels chimed in with, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” This announcement was one not to be missed — it was important!!! The world would never be the same. I was struck by the fact that first glory (praise) is given to God. The word “glory” can also indicate the shining of light. And the more I dug into the idea of glory, the more I understood Strong’s association of it with the phrase “very apparent.” Jesus’ life and work made the essence of God more apparent to the world. He fully expressed the Christ — the light of Truth — that reveals (makes apparent) the peace and good will, inherent in God’s creation. Through a study of Christian Science, we see this light shining just as brilliantly today — bringing peace!

Responsive Reading: Paul writes to the Romans that whatever has been previously written in the Scriptures is available to offer comfort and guidance to those coming after. And, Isaiah is assuring the people of his time that God will surely provide for the salvation (deliverance and health, according to Strong’s Hebrew translation) of all mankind. Whether the message appears to be concerning the future or the past, the promise can always be applied to a present need because of God’s nature as ever-present! The Message paraphrases the first verse of the Responsive Reading this way: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all’s well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, “Your God reigns!” Certainly that is what Christ Jesus did for the world, and what Christian Science continues to do. I got even more out of this verse, though, as I dug into the original Hebrew of some of the words. Feet, by euphemism is to “be able to endure” (among other things.) And, salvation is “deliverance and health.” Good, as in “good tidings of good,” includes not just what we think of as good in general, but wealth, welfare, kindness, and to be well. God’s is a full salvation — from all that is unlike Him — and the Christ light persists in revealing God’s goodness. The prayer of Paul is one that we can take to heart … that the “God of patience (cheerful endurance) and consolation (comfort)” enables all mankind to think of each other as Jesus taught — with love and healing. This prayer applies not just to Christians. It brings out the natural goodness of all mankind, and allows us to live in peace, having respect for one another. God is guiding and caring for the needs of all!

Section 1: The dawning of the Christ is perpetually revealed to watchful thinkers!
One of the most moving moments for me on a recent trip to Israel was standing in a shepherd’s field overlooking the town of Bethlehem. The field was rocky — with a cave to shelter the sheep at night. At various times of the year, the supply of food for the sheep is more abundant than others. But, the shepherds faithfully lead their flocks and watch over them. They must always be alert. Surely, this quality of alertness was vital to enough to see the angel and the glory of the Lord and followed it to Bethlehem.. (B-3*) The same could be said for the Wiseman who also followed the star (B-4*). And, for Joseph, who was alert enough to hear the angel tell him to not break his engagement, and to be humble enough to continue to love and care for Mary — and their new baby boy. (B-2*) Following Mrs. Eddy’s description of the wakeful shepherds and the Wise-men following the star to find Jesus in the manger, she writes, “The time for thinkers has come.” (S-2) Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise-men were willing to “think outside the box” and respond to the angels. As a result, the Christ light dawned in their consciousness. Mrs. Eddy responded to this light in 1866 when she “discovered the Christ Science or divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love, and named [her] discovery Christian Science.” God presented these laws to Mrs. Eddy in a way that she could understand based on her previous experience. She said God had been “graciously preparing” her. And, the idea grew (as a child grows) as it was cherished. (S-4 & S-5) As we are willing to think — and alertly see beyond the testimony of the physical senses — we, too, will see the Christ light and all the wonderful good this light reveals! Christmas is a time to celebrate the hope and conviction that peace (in every aspect of life) is possible — and is God’s ultimate gift! Let us be watchful thinkers so we, too, can behold the fullness of Christ — today!

Section 2: Repent! Accept God’s gift of healing — evidence of God’s law in operation
What better Christmas gift than to bear witness to the healing power of Christ?! Healing is the gift of God that is freely given to all — every moment of every day. Healing is the natural consequence of the operation of the law of God — the operation (or activity) of “divine Principle.” Sin and disease can no more coexist with this ever-active law than darkness can coexist with light, or error with truth. This Principle (unwavering Truth) not only heals disease, but prevents it from developing. (S-8 & S-9) Christ Jesus naturally demonstrated this healing power because he so completely embodied the coincidence (the agreement or concurrence) “between God and man in His image.” The gospel of John describes the appearance of Jesus to human consciousness as “the Word … made flesh.” I find it helpful to think of the Word as the Divine Expression (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Jesus so completely embodied this divine expression (Word, or Principle) that he healed as naturally as he moved and breathed. We also coincide with God, as His likeness. And, we must never forget that!! Think about how naturally the darkness dissipates when someone walks through it carrying a bright lantern. In the presence of the Christ-light — the light of Truth — that Jesus so fully expressed (and is also our nature,) sickness and sin dissipate just as naturally. It is important to consider the very important message that Christ Jesus preached, and which Christian Science later explained more fully: “Repent ye and believe the gospel.” (B-8*) Remember that repent simply means to “reconsider” or “think differently.” As we consider the good news of Jesus’ message that the “kingdom of God is at hand” (in other words, as we believe the gospel) the fullness of God’s presence is seen. As we repent, we recognize that we truly reside in the kingdom of God — not in a mortal body influenced by mortal circumstances. Thus, we learn to stop looking at the images portrayed in the darkness of mortal belief. We look through the night to perceive God’s creation as revealed by the light of Day. Christian Science explains that healing happens as “sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness” and disappear naturally. (S-9) Our job is to repent — to turn from the darkness to the light and accept that the Word (the Divine Expression) continues to “dwell among us” revealing the presence of the Kingdom of heaven here and now.

Section 3: The Christ-light destroys the shadows of sin — and seeks to save each one
I love the parable of the shepherd seeking out the lost lamb and rejoicing as he gently lifts it to his shoulders and carries it home. (B-12) Isn’t that what Love does for each one who has seemingly strayed from the realm of harmony? To me, that’s what sin is – the belief that man has strayed from the presence of God; the belief of separation from good. Reconnecting with God counters sin. This connection lifts us out of darkness and into light, where all things good are again visible. Paul wrote to the people of Corinth that “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (B-13) God shines the light of Truth in our consciousness (or our understanding) to enable us to feel God’s presence and see our oneness with good. We read about Jesus hanging out with so-called sinners — and the Pharisees disapproving. But, like the shepherd, Jesus saw it as his mission to lead those who were lost back to safety. Jesus, of course, also healed those that were sick. But, as Mrs. Eddy brings out in Science and Health, “the mission of Christian Science (now and in Jesus’ time) is “not primarily one of physical healing.” The “higher mission of the Christ-power [is] to take away the sins of the world.” (S-13) To me, what makes Christian Science unique is the understanding it gives of the connection between the mental and the physical. We naturally expect the physical to change as thought changes. So, when sin is healed (misconceptions changed and the belief of separation destroyed) the harmonious functioning of the body follows. The law of God (that saving grace that comes to us and carries us home) naturally delivers all mankind from sin and disease. But, we have to start with seeing sin destroyed as lives are lifted out of false conceptions (above “poor thought-models” into the light and freedom of the kingdom of heaven on earth. (S-10)

Section 4: The rule (standard) of healing is reliable and demonstrable
Jesus consistently demonstrated God’s supreme goodness by freeing people from physical limitations and disease. (S-14) Jesus sought out a woman who had been unable to stand up straight for 18 years. He called her to him and touched her. And she was healed immediately. (B-16*) Not many at that time understood how this kind of healing was possible. Through her discovery of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy enabled us to see that healing is the natural result of the human mind (consciousness or perception) yielding to the divine Mind. Christian Science is the Science — or knowledge — of Christ (Truth.) I find it helpful to think of Christ as the essence of God’s nature, or the expression of that divine nature. It is clear that nothing unlike God can exist where God’s nature exists. Darkness can’t exist in the presence of sunlight. Keeping this in mind, we can be encouraged by this statement: “Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies.” In this same paragraph, we read that Christian Science acts as an alterative. (S-16*) An alterative causes alteration and has the power to restore the healthy functions of the body. (Webster, 1828) A long list follows this statement of the ways in which this Science (the knowledge of Christ or Truth) positively affects the body. [*See PS#2 for an example of its healing effectiveness.] What is it that is really touched by the Christ — the message from God to his idea man? It’s human consciousness. Perception is changed. Looking at the example from the Bible (B-16*) … The woman Jesus healed had thought of herself as infirmed for 18 years. Jesus’ touch was the outward expression of the light of Christ touching this woman’s consciousness and shifting perspective. This touch enlightened her thought, revealing to her God’s eternal creation — forever upright and whole. The body didn’t need to change — just the woman’s perception of it. Have you ever seen something magnificent and wanted to share the view with someone else? Often, the other person is just not looking in quite the right place. Sometimes, it is helpful to physically turn the shoulders or head of the other person and point their eyes right to the spot until the view becomes apparent. Nothing has changed except the perception. “The effect of [Christian] Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind.” (S-16*) To me, it’s like the effect of taking your friend by the shoulders and directing their attention to what they haven’t yet seen. In both cases, thought yields to what had not been previously seen or experienced. Healing is a rule to be demonstrated — something to be “worked out in practice.” (S-16 & S-17) It helped me to look more deeply into the meaning of the word, rule – “supreme authority; that which is established as a principle or standard” (Webster, 1828). That is very different than a set of regulations that must be humanly followed. We’re told that it is “the Holy Ghost and Christ, which enables [us] to demonstrate, with scientific certainty, the rule of healing.” This rule of healing is “based upon its divine Principle, Love, underlying, overlying and encompassing all true being.” (S-17) God loves all of His children. No one is beyond the touch of God’s gentle presence (the Holy Ghost and Christ) directing consciousness to see the ever-present strength and wholeness that is the expression of divine Principle, Love — the temple of the living God. That is you and everyone!

Section 5: Acknowledge your oneness with God, and embrace the promised Comforter
Jesus never claimed to have special powers. Nor did he suggest that he would appear on earth forever. He was, however, clear about his oneness with his Father. Jesus promised that whoever “believeth” on him was truly believing in God — not in a human Jesus — and would consequently receive the light of Christ and never be stuck living in darkness. (B-17) Trusting God delivers us from the darkness of fear or any state of war or conflict (physical or mental). The Greek word translated believeth can be rendered “commit to trust or entrust one’s spiritual well-being to.” The oneness of God and His Christ is brought out in John 14: 23 (B-18*). Man’s job is to love Christ (Truth) and follow the teachings of Jesus. In turn, God’s love will be made apparent. And, Jesus adds, “we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” The word we jumped out at me! God and His Christ — the tangible presence of God (Life and Love) coming to human consciousness — as Principle and the activity of that Principle. Jesus promised that God would send the Comforter (or Holy Ghost) in “his name.” This Comforter would be a permanent dispensation — forever communicating the same message to the world as Jesus had. This message is a message of peace. And, it is the kind of peace that is not dependent on human circumstances. It is an abiding (enduring) state of peace that cannot be disturbed. This peace removes fear and heals. (B-18*) We can respond to and heal whatever would terrorize — regardless of name or nature. The Christian Science textbook identifies this Comforter as Divine Science. Citations in this section contain references to both Christian Science and divine Science. So, I thought it might be helpful to remember this statement from page 127 of Science and Health: “The terms Divine Science, Spiritual Science, Christ Science or Christian Science, or Science alone, she employs interchangeably, according to the requirements of the context.” This Science is “the scientific system of divine healing.” As we give all of ourselves to God, we are able to demonstrate the power of the “ever-operative divine Principle” to heal, as Jesus did. We are conscious of the presence of the healing Comforter. We must sacrifice all personal sense, personal responsibility, and personal ego and “lay [our] earthly all on the altar of divine Science.” [See CedarS 2015 theme.] Then we can expect to find real peace for ourselves — and the world. (S-19 & S-20)

Section 6: The comfort of Truth embraces everyone — and God’s glory is revealed
It would seem that we are still waiting for the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the “dwelling place” of the Lord will be established and the nations will turn to God to settle their disputes and be their judge. Thus, there would be no more war, and weapons would be turned into useful tools. (B-20) It is tempting to think that such a state of being is truly impossible to achieve. But, we won’t fall for that! In an effort to encourage the Corinthians to not become discouraged, Paul wrote, “Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (B-21, NLT) Good advice! Our textbook offers words of encouragement, as well. These are the principles outlined by Christian Science that we can trust and follow:

  1. God is an almighty power — the very source of love and peace. (S-21)
  2. Truly, all men have “one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love.” As we understand this and practice living at one with our Father, as Jesus did, we will have the Mind that was in Christ and be able to see through the mist of mortality to the reality of unity. (S-22)
  3. Refuse to lose hope! Trust that Truth and Love, as real and tangible forces, are embracing human consciousness and bringing thought in line with universal goodness, enabling the promises of Isaiah to be fulfilled! (S-23 & S-24)

As Christian Scientists, we have a special responsibility to ourselves, our neighbors, and our world to elevate our sense of Christmas – to celebrate, as Mrs. Eddy explains, “the entrance into human understanding of the Christ conceived of Spirit, of God and not of a woman — as the birth of Truth, the dawn of divine Love breaking upon the gloom of matter and evil with the glory of infinite being.” (My 262: 13) The healing presence of the Holy Ghost is active today. Aren’t we grateful to know that?! Nothing is beyond help and hope. Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing is incurable! Step-by-step we can see this demonstrated in our lives — and in the world.


[*Warren’s P.S. #1 Kathy has done an awesome job clearly presenting ways we can apply to our lives elements of this week’s lesson. Cobbey Crisler fans who want to go “beyond the markers” will be rewarded by going to CedarS online Met for Downloads of Cobbey’s insights: on citations B-1 and B-6 from John; on citation B-14 from Psalms; on citations B-3, B-7, and B-16 for the rest of Luke’s original Christmas story; on citation B-4 for Matthew's details about the Wisemen; and on citation B-8 for Mark's 4-point summation of Jesus' ministry. In answer to many inquiries about where the scriptural commentaries that I share from Christian Science Bible scholar Cobbey Crisler come from and how they can be found. Because my mom, Ruth E. Huff, the Founder of CedarS Camps, went on three trips to Israel with Cobbey and Janet Crisler and because CedarS sponsored scores of his talks and handled all of his CDs for many years, I did end up with most of his tapes or CDs and with a transcript in book form for each of his talks on the 4 Gospels. With his devoted wife Janet's permission, for many years now I have been sharing in CedarS weekly Mets Cobbey's helpful insights when they shed new light on citations in the Christian Science Bible Lesson. These have been shared in P.S.-format in CedarS main Mets or as an online Download of scanned pages. Audio versions of Cobbey's talks have long been available at http://www.daycroftschool.org/downloads/order-form31.pdf or online at http://www.daycroftschool.org/announcements/cobbey-crisler-bible-talks/ (see cc for email info@daycroftschool.org ) However, Janet recently emailed me that "finally all the transcriptions of Cobbey's talks are available at my new website: bcobbeycrisler.com " They make great gifts as I found out in a recent shipment that I am delighted to share with a page about citation B14 copied from the "Prescriptions from Psalms" transcript. It was one of a complete set that I recently got in the mail as early Christmas gifts from several dear ones so that I could better share the inspiration! Why not give lasting gifts of scriptural inspiration to others or to yourself even?!]

[Warren’s P.S. #2 — an example of the healing power of application of citation B-16, S&H 162: Here's my whole-hearted song of gratitude to God and to Christian Science for the priceless gift of a life-saving healing! (Originally shared as a PS in Jared Egger's 2009 Thanksgiving Met) In the fall of 2008, after a joyous summer and fall of service, I found myself agonizing in the passenger seat during our evening move home from camp. I sang (along with the sound system) many hymns that I knew by heart–thanks to years of camp Hymn Sing experience-belting them out at first through tears of intense pain, and later through tears of immense gratitude. For the first part of the trip the disabling discomfort just wouldn't let up–no matter how I changed my position or what hymns or citations I prayed. The pain seemed to radiate from a huge internal growth that had been steadily growing for several months. It had attempted to rob me of my desire to eat, my vigor and of all ability to lift one of my legs. In deepest humility–and supported by the prayers of the dear driver, my mom and a practitioner who I kept calling-I continued to reach out to God and to sing each word with renewed understanding, conviction and vigor. With tears of joy I cherished the truths about my spiritual nature as if they were being tenderly told to me in order to save my life for God's service-and that they did! All pain finally broke thanks to this all-out, fervent praying and singing– and I have hardly stopped smiling or singing since. I remain eternally grateful that I took "God-is-All" instead of Tylenol-that I chose Christian Science treatment to eliminate not only the pain, but also its cause rather that just opting to temporarily relieve suffering. I knew when I got home without pain that I was healed, although the draining and dissolving of the growth took several more weeks of consistent "ray-delineation therapy" which "dissolves tumors" with the invigorating purity of "the sunlight of Truth" that "Christian Science brings to the body." (S&H 162:4 (S-16 in the "Christian Science" Bible Lesson) I applied each ray of this divine, healing sunlight –shining the specific, promising laws and wonderful ideas laid out in this precious paragraph.
"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates (refreshes, revitalizes, stimulates, enlivens, energizes, animates, rejuvenates, strengthens) and purifies" (cleanses, disinfects, sanitizes, decontaminates, filters). Christian Science acts as an alterative (a medicinal plant that causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action OR A medicine or treatment which gradually induces a change, and restores healthy functions without sensible evacuations), neutralizing error with Truth. It changes the secretions (emissions, discharges, oozings), expels humors (4 Medieval ones to be balanced: blood, yellow bile, phlegm, black bile), dissolves tumors (growths, cancers, lumps, swellings), relaxes rigid muscles ("thought-forces"), restores carious bones to soundness. The effect of this Science is to stir (rouse, wake up, budge, shift, get up, revive) the human mind to a change of base (basis, foundation, origin, heart, starting point), on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." (S&H 162:4). Have fun singing out with me and for yourselves this transforming "sunlight of Truth"!]


[W's P.S. #3: In today's "Daily Lift" by Summer Wright, CS, he mentions "Christ's Christianity" (S-18) and his giving tours of the Mother Church. (Summer served as a CedarS Bible Lands Park tour guide and Practitioner for much of the summer of 2014.) Citation S-18 (S&H 162) is carved in granite at the top of CedarS Time Travelers Trail (Download pic to follow) and is suspended by chains that run the length of the quarter-mile-long, switch-back trail that climbs over 100 feet verticallly (from a spring to a cave) with granite steps carved with the names of chronologically-ordered Bible characters, books and eras, interspersed with switchback platforms for rest and for Bible reinactments at significant turning points in Bible history such as the EXODUS, UNITED MONARCHY, BABYLONIAN EXILE, ROMAN OCCUPATION AND ARRIVAL OF THE CHRIST.] Time Travelers Trail like this Bible Lesson is packed with references to the fact that Christ's Christianity is available and practicable here and now! With the New Year approaching note at least 20 references in the Science and Health alone this week to time(s), years, stages, when, now, age(s), aforetime, to-day, coming anew, periods, dispensation, forever, sweeping down the centuries, As time moves on… So have a happy year-end and an even-happier New Year, practicing the Science or knowledge of Christ with its "peace that passes all understanding"! (B-5, Phil. 4:7)]

[W's P.S. #4: We made great progress toward our goal of meeting the needs of CedarS, thanks to all you regular and recent donors! While being well over halfway toward raising the amount needed for our Maintenance Musts Matching Grant by year end, we need to raise the whole $25,000 ($5,400 more) by 12-31-15 to get any part of the matching grant. This and other needs are featured on our Giving Tree, with gifts starting at $1. God bless you for clicking here and selecting your present "to put under our tree." Every gift matters, is tax-deductible and adds up to big blessings in the lives of Sunday School students.]

[IT WOULD BE A HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER to have MORE MONTHLY GIFTS ONLINE which you can easily set up at https://www.cedarscamps.org/donate/?a=donate-recurring .

To discuss privately how to transfer securities or other assets to help support and perpetuate CedarS work, you can reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime by calling the Huffs or their daughter Holly Huff Bruland at 636-394-6162

or MAIL your tax-deductible support to our 501-C-3 organization
(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #440-66-3883):

The CedarS Camps, Inc.
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Lebanon, MO 65536

THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!]


[CedarS weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and friends who have requested it. However, current and planned gifts are a big help and are greatly appreciated in defraying the costs of running this service and of providing needed camperships, programs and operations support.

[The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/ ]

[For additional "Director's Notes" on the history, development & 4 translations of CedarS weekly Bible Lesson "Mets" go to Notes in our online version of it.]

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