"Christian Science brings to view the great I AM"

For our final contribution for 2021, Joyce Voysey takes a look at the illustrations in Christ and Christmas.

What are we to make of the two pictures, Christ Healing and Christian Science Healing? It seems to me that the illustration Christ Healing has Jesus healing, the mother pleading, the father incredulous. Then in Christian Science Healing, perhaps the idea of a personal Jesus as healer has been replaced by the impersonal Christ Science. The mother (or daughter/sister/friend) in the background has her hands in the attitude of humble prayer.

[Ed. Seeking and Finding. I note the hissing serpent hiding in the shadows behind the woman at the table.]

Christmas Eve. I am reminded of the definition of evening: “Mistiness of mortal thought; weariness of mortal mind; obscured views; peace and rest” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 586: 1)

Christmas Morn. Definition of morning: “Light; symbol of Truth; revelation and progress” (SH 591: 23).This is probably my least understood picture. I don’t see the definition in it. Possibly I yearn for the colour of day breaking. (Ed. I love the representation of angels here!)

I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. —Christ Jesus
(Christ and Christmas, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 33:1) The age and childhood of “Life without birth and without end, emitting light!” The babe teaching pure Science to the aged? Before the babe is able to read the words.

Treating the sick. A copy of Science and Health is at rest in a lap. “A lap piled high…” comes to mind. SH 495: 28. “Which of these two theories concerning man are you ready to accept? One is the mortal testimony, changing, dying, unreal. The other is the eternal and real evidence, bearing Truth’s signet, its lap piled high with immortal fruits.” This woman has chosen. She is knowing the Truth which will heal this sick one. The first verse on the next page seems to explain the forgoing (ed.: and is a lovely illustration of the ideas in this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson on God)i:

For Christian Science brings to view

The great I Am, --

Omniscient power, --gleaming through

Mind, mother, man.

What a comfort is this next verse to one who endeavours to express their thoughts on paper (or computer), or for the student sitting for an exam: ‘Tis the same hand unfolds His power,/And writes the page.’ The picture shows Jesus and a figure which represents Christian Science. The Christ holds her hand and is the source of the writing of the works on Christian Science. Jesus offers the left hand of authority.

Truth versus error. The children are the ones attracted to the teachings of Truth. Truth knocks at the door of consciousness. Very few seem to be receptive.

I can find myself singing along with the vision of The Way.  Saw ye my Saviour – in lusty voice – with hymn 571. This is a hymn one great granddaughter loves to sing along to.

Joyce Voysey