Sunday, December 24, 2023
Philosophic Worship Service
11:00 a.m.
“Mystic Birth”
Service conducted by
Srimati Karuna, Minister
Sunday Bulletin
Throughout the history of humanity we have honored the birth of souls who have come to awaken and guide us along the mystic path. These souls illumine our lives with the message of peace and the light of truth. This holy season bears a great opportunity: the opportunity to set aside a time for a sacred and divine purpose, a time to pause and reflect, to give thanks and share our joy with those around us. It is the conscious remembrance of the greatest blessings of our existence.
”After a still winter night I awoke with the impression that some question had been put to me, which I had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as what — how — when — where? But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward! Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. ‘O Prince, our eyes contemplate with admiration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and varied spectacle of this universe. The night veils without doubt a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth even into the plains of the ether.’”
Henry David Thoreau
"Free from all limitations of birth am I. I am the changeless Reality, the Supreme Lord of all creation. Yet, by the power of my own mystic law I come into being. O Bharata, whenever and wherever divinity becomes subdued and humanity struggles to emerge out of ignorance, then and there I incarnate myself. To assure salvation to the virtuous, to awaken the ignorant, and thereby to manifest divinity on earth, I incarnate myself from time to time."
Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita, Ch 4, vs 6-8
Translated by Swami Premananda
“The light that shone at the dawn of the first creation fills the universe with life today. The light that summoned the Three Wise Men still shines in the East, guiding the faithful to behold the Mystic Birth. May that Supreme Light that lighteth the first Man and generations yet unborn illumine our hearts with its peace and bliss and bless our lives with hope and love.
Reflections On Still Waters
Swami Kamalananda