CHRIST AND CHRISTMAS

1. Fast circling on, from zone to zone,
Bright, blest, afar,

O'er the grim night of chaos shone
One lone, brave star.

2. In tender mercy, Spirit sped
A loyal ray

To rouse the living, wake the dead,
And point the Way

3. The Christ-idea, God anoints
Of Truth and Life;

The Way in Science He appoints,
That stills all strife.

4. What the Beloved knew and taught,
Science repeats,

Through understanding, dearly sought,
With fierce heart-beats;

6. For heaven's Christus, earthly Eves,
By Adam bid,

Make merriment on Christmas eves,
O'er babe and crib.

7. Yet wherefore signalize the birth
Of him ne'er born?

What can rehearse the glorious worth
Of his high morn?

L 53 ។

8. Christ was not crucified — that doom
Was Jesus' part;

For Sharon's rose must bud and bloom
In human heart.*

9. Forever present, bounteous, free,
Christ comes in gloom;

And aye, with grace towards you and me,
For health makes room.

10. Thus olden faith's pale star now blends
In seven-hued white!

Life, without birth and without end,
Emitting light!

II. The Way, the Truth, the Life His word-
Are here, and now

Christ's silent healing, heaven heard,
Crowns the pale brow.

12. For Christian Science brings to view

The great I Am,

Omniscient power,

gleaming through

Mind, mother, man.

13. As in blest Palestina's hour,

So in our age,

'Tis the same hand unfolds His power,
And writes the page.

14. To-day, as oft, away from sin
Christ summons thee!

Truth pleads to-night: Just take Me in!
No mass for Me!

15. No blight, no broken wing, no moan,
Truth's fane can dim;

Eternal swells Christ's music-tone,
In heaven's hymn.

*"God was manifest in the flesh."- St. Paul.

VERSE

These Scriptural texts are the basis of the sentiments in the verses, whereto

their number corresponds.

1. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Christ Jesus.

2. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. - Christ Jesus.

3. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. — Isaiah.

4. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Christ Jesus.

5. The tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of His hands. — Isaiah.

6. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

8. If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit [God-likeness] is life because of righteousness.

St. Paul.

9. But such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. - St. Peter.

10. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God. - St. Paul.

II. Heal the sick. — Christ Jesus. 12. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Christ Jesus. 13. And there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Christ Jesus. 14. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. · Christ Jesus. 15. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. - Christ Jesus.