Angels: the inspiration of purity

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December 16, 2015

http://www.christianscienceneworleans.org/ArchiveWedReadings2015.html

     This week’s subject is “Angels: the inspiration of purity countering sensualism” or to use the popular saying, “Keeping Christ in Christmas.”  The readings tell the story of Samson whose childless and aged parents were visited by an angel, somewhat like the parents of John the Baptist, whose pure upbringing prepared the way for the Christ. But of course, in contrast to John the Baptist, we all know that Samson was distracted by all that glitter!
     On a lighter note, the August 22, 2011 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel had a corny joke about Samson.  Perhaps you already know it —
A teen had just passed his driving test and asked his father when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he’d make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.”
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks, his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”
His son said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair—and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”
His dad replied:
“Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”
Sorry, this joke is such a classic that I couldn’t resist.
     Christian Science practitioner Evan Mehlenbacher recently blogged the following on his Spiritview website:
Christmas time is fast approaching, and the temptation to overindulge sensually may feel tempting at times.  The temptation to over shop, over buy, over spend, over eat, over amuse, over fret, and over stress top the list for many. But this can change for the better with a clear spiritual view of what Christmas is all about.  Christmas is not about eating and shopping, stressing and worrying. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and living true to the message of divine Love he brought to humanity.
So, if one of the lessons from the virgin birth in the Christmas story is its freedom from sensuality, then you can really compare how Samson went awry! Perhaps you have other Christmas insights to share, which we would love to hear at our Wednesday service.