You Are Christmas
Metaphysical Bible Interpretation was one of the first classes I took when I began my path to Unity ministry, and I loved it. The class opened my mind to a new way of reading and understanding the Bible, and it opened my heart to a deeper appreciation for stories I had long struggled with.
Charles Fillmore, cofounder of Unity, taught that every person, place, animal, and inanimate object in a Bible story—when viewed metaphysically—represents an aspect of our own consciousness. These stories are not merely ancient history; they are reflections of what is happening within us right now.
The Christmas story, or the nativity of Jesus, is no exception. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, the angels, and even the star each signify facets of our inner life. Metaphysically understood, they illustrate the states of mind and heart that emerge as we awaken to our Christ nature, give birth to it, and allow it to grow. It is, in every way, our story.
Even if you’ve set this story aside—whether due to doubts about historical accuracy, discomfort with traditional doctrines, or because conventional Christianity no longer feels like your spiritual home—I invite us to reclaim the nativity as a beautiful metaphor for our own spiritual awakening.
In The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary, Charles Fillmore offers insights into the significance of each character and symbol. Reading the story through this lens has renewed my love for the narrative and deepened my comfort with it.
Gabriel, the angel, represents Divine wisdom speaking through us. This inner guidance continually reminds us not to fear and to trust the inspiration of Spirit. Moving from fear to faith is essential as we allow the Christ to live through us.
Mother Mary symbolizes spiritual love—open, receptive, and willing to give of itself for the greater good. Like Mary, we may be asked to give more than we imagined. Surrendering to spiritual love prepares us to give birth to the Christ.
Joseph represents strength, wisdom, and courage. True spiritual wisdom is not based on past experience; it arises from our inner connection with the Divine and stays open to the unknown. Giving birth to the Christ often requires releasing what we think we know and stepping forward with courage and conviction.
The shepherds symbolize the thoughts that guide us “in the paths of righteousness.” These are the thoughts aligned with Divine Mind, helping us stay attentive to anything that might endanger our emerging Christ awareness. The sheep represent pure, innocent thoughts that we are called to protect.
The star represents the illumination of our intuitive faculty. Our inner Light continually guides us toward our highest good. When we follow it, we remain on a path of service to the Christ energy within us and in the world.
The wise men symbolize spiritual powers that may lie dormant until we awaken to our Christ nature. As we grow spiritually, these gifts are revealed and bless us.
The baby Jesus represents the pure potential within every person to awaken to and express the Christ—the divine blueprint present in all creation. As the Christ is born in our consciousness, we begin the journey of embodying it more fully in our lives.
Viewed metaphysically, the Christmas story reveals much about our true nature and the faculties that help us recognize, nurture, and live from the indwelling Christ.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, honor the birth of Jesus, our teacher and guide. And honor yourself, for you, too, are the Christ, born to bring light into the world. You hold within you all the potential of the Divine expressing as you.
You are Christmas.
