Dear Friends,

The Star of Bethlehem

“The star in nativity scenes represents the Star of Bethlehem, also known as the Christmas star or the Star of the East. According to the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew, the star served as a celestial sign that guided the three wise men, or Magi, to the birthplace of Jesus.“ (Wikipedia)

“The three Kings represent the souls who have risen above their lower natures and found what is truly important when familiar ways no longer exist.” (Flower Newhouse, The Sacred Heart of Christmas)

“We all want something more. Advent asks the question, what is it for which you are spending your life? What is the star you are following now? And where is that star in its present radiance in your life leading you? Is it a place that is really comprehensive enough to equal the breadth of the human soul?“—from The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister (Thomas Nelson)

Have you ever looked up at the stars on a clear night and just marvel by the magnificence of them? I have seen them on the desert and in areas away from the city and it is almost unreal how beautiful they are. I was in awe of the magnitude of stars and felt so close to the Divine.

Can you imagine the shepherds and the wise men looking up into the sky and seeing the radiance of this one huge star? The scene of the shepherds watching their flock by night and then seeing the star and being guided to the Christ child, as were the wise men, is a beautiful story. They all found a precious gift, a baby with pure potential, pure love, pure innocence and pure hope for the future of all mankind. They found a new way of life, a new consciousness.

In past centuries, the North Star helped men at sea and people traveling great distances. Following a star today can also mean finding your purpose, your calling, your joy in life! Do you see a brilliant star in your life today? Are you following that radiant star? I know people who are absolutely filled with LIFE and PURPOSE and are following their Divine Star within.

Christmas is a wonderful time to pause, reflect about your life, where you are, where you have been and where you would like to go. We are forever evolving and not meant to stay in the same mind set. As we rise in Consciousness, our purposes evolve. Sometimes we are pushed by the Divine and/or pulled by a Vision, a Force Greater than ourselves. The wise men and shepherds were seeking the CHRIST. Ultimately WE are seeking CHIRST CONSCIOUSNESS. We are continually meant to rise above human consciousness to the purity of love for all in everything we do, at work, play, with family, friends and strangers.

The wise men and shepherds found their GUILDING LIGHT, their personal STAR and followed it. Find your GUIDING LIGHT today, your personal STAR by looking WITHIN. Your Christ Consciousness is guiding you, and your new life is evolving today.

Following Our Star,

Abigail and Steve

Co- Ministers of the All Faith Center

December 10, 2024

Dear Friends,

“Through research from the HeartMath Institute, Dr. Joe Dispenza says,”The act of giving activates heart-brain coherence, aligns you with the frequency of abundance, and opens the door to miracles. Generosity is a gateway to transformation, and every act of giving brings you closer to your highest self.” (TCCHE)

I saw in our local newspaper the TOYS for TOTS annual event was happening at a Walmart near us. I thought what a wonderful opportunity to take our granddaughter to buy some toys and help other children have a toy or toys for Christmas. Peyton shares her own toys well with other children, so I thought this would be fun and a great learning opportunity to GIVE to others less fortunate. Her mom started preparing her a few days before I took her to the store, however Peyton didn’t want anything to do with it. She couldn’t quite understand why we would be going in to buy toys NOT FOR HER. The past few months she has gotten caught up in toys and costumes for Halloween and now Santa coming to bring toys. she thinks every time an Amazon delivery comes, it is for her. Her parents are actively helping her realize not all gifts are hers and have asked the “Grandmas’ to not bring over gifts every time we come over. We have faithfully done just that. So the day arrived and I took Peyton to Walmart. We walked up and down the toy aisle several times. I kept asking her which toy she thought a little girl or boy would like. At first she kept saying NO. Then we talked about KINDNESS and GIVING. I said GIVING is like a circle. When you are kind and give to others, kindness and givingness comes back to you. We finally decided on a firetruck for a boy and a doll in a bathtub for a girl. She was quiet as we paid and left the store.

I saw the Marine in charge of the Toys for Tots Day and asked him to come over. We talked and I explained my granddaughter and I wanted to give toys to a boy and girl. He was so sweet and talked with Peyton and thanked her for doing this kindness. She and the Marine put the toys in the box. I gave a check as well told Peyton I was giving too. We left and spent the rest of the day at our house with PopPop. Later when I took her home, she got a new lunchbox in the mail, one she had been waiting for. I told my daughter Tammy what I said at the store, and asked her to help reinforce the Kindness circle. Peyton GAVE and she RECEIVED. Tammy was thrilled to do so.

We all love to give to our families and I ask you to remember to give to others less fortunate, by check, on line or with toys. Make it a great learning experience for your children and/or grandchildren

Giving with Love and Kindness,

Abigail and Steve

Happy December! I love this beautiful month and season! We have our Christmas lights up, tree ornaments on, and house decorated.I sit in my meditation chair loving the lights from our Christmas tree shinning in the darkness. It is warm and sacred.

The idea of LIGHT warming our hearts and lighting our way is a golden thread though many faith traditions. “In the beginning God said, “Let there be LIGHT, which was the beginning of life. We often say, GOD is the LIGHT of the World! Hebrew scriptures say, ” Yahweh is my LIGHT and my salvation.” (Psalm 27). Christians say “God is LIGHT and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1.5). Muslims say, “Allah is the LIGHT of the heavens and the earth.” (Sura 24.35).”                    (K.K. Yeo: Kenneth L. Vaux)

“Many religious holidays celebrate LIGHT as spiritual hope. Hanukkah celebrates the hope that the Jewish people derived from the ancient “Miracle of Lights.” where there was only enough oil for one candle and yet it lasted 7 days.                                        Christians decorate with LIGHTS to symbolize Jesus the Christ as the LIGHT of the world.                                                                                                                                During Islam Ramadan, the Fanoos is a lantern used to LIGHT up homes, mosques, and streets.                                                                                                                        Hindus celebrate Diwali, the Festival of LIGHTS.”                                                        (Interfaith exploration of Light representation in the celebration practice and interpretation of religion))

“LIGHT has been symbolic for purity, goodness, illumination, enlightenment, Divine Wisdom,, presence of the Divine, Awakening, of consciousness and embodiment of Truth. Hinduism: LIGHT represents enlightenment and self-realization. JYOTI or inner LIGHT refers to the divine spark within every individual. Buddhism: LIGHT symbolizes wisdom and awakening of consciousness. Cultivating mindfulness and meditation, individuals can illuminate their minds and gain insight into the nature of reality.”  Unlocking the Spiritual Meaning of Light)

What does LIGHT mean for us? Embracing the light within ourselves enables us to shine brightly in the world and make a positive impact on others. We take the time to be kind to others, be a beacon of joy, hope, love and compassion. We realize the LIGHT within us is GOD living LIFE through us and we see GOD as LIGHT within ALL people.

In the beginning GOD! That is our ancestral heritage, our ancient wisdom, our LIGHT, our ONENESS, our very ESSENCE.

Be a LIGHT Unto the World,                                                                                           Abigail and Steve