Let us celebrate the season of light with joy and gratitude! The five-day festival of Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, was celebrated by Hindus around the globe from October 29th to November 3rd, marking the start of this luminous season. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance—a universal reminder of hope and renewal.

Next in this radiant season is Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, which begins on the evening of December 25th and concludes on January 2nd. Our Jewish friends worldwide commemorate the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple during the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Central to this celebration is the menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days despite having only enough oil for one. The lighting of the menorah each night of Hanukkah symbolizes the enduring power of faith and the miracle of light.

From December 26th through January 1st, the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa honors African and African American history, heritage, and culture. Rooted in the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits of the harvest,” Kwanzaa highlights seven moral principles, each represented by the lighting of a candle. These principles are brought to life through literature, philosophy, African drumming, singing, dancing, and the sharing of meals inspired by the African diaspora.

On December 25th, Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas. While it honors the birth of Jesus—a spiritual teacher, healer, and ascended master—it also holds a metaphysical significance. Christmas symbolizes the awakening of the light of Divine awareness within us. By following the Star of Bethlehem, a symbol of our inner spiritual guidance, we are born anew each time we more fully express our Divine potential.

Throughout this season, the lighting of candles and the adornment of trees, homes, and public spaces remind us of our own inner radiance and the beauty of the light we carry. As we embrace our cultural and spiritual traditions, let us pledge to embody the light in creative and joyful ways, inspiring hope, unity, and love in the world.

The Light Within ~Saturn

Deep inside there is a light,
Burning bright with hope aglow.
Though darkness tries to dim the sight,
This little light refuses to let go.
This tiny flame burns fierce and free,
It flickers but does not fade away.
For deep within my heart I see
A light that shows me which way.

Though storms may come and winds may blow,
This little light won’t be put out.
It shines on steady, letting me know
There’s purpose in every doubt.

This light inside will guide my way
And lead me through life’s unknown.
For deep within my heart I’ll always stay,
Lighting my path, lighting my home.

Visit Our Online Store TODAY!

We invite you to do some Shopping of these BEAUTIFUL Hand-Crafted pens that were created with love by our very own Charles Kirlew. They make a fantastic gift for any occasion whether it be for the holidays, a birthday, graduation, promotion, or even to celebrate you!

Click the link to visit our online store and let the shopping begin!

ABOUT CHARLIE’S JOURNEY:

A number of years ago, Charlie did a workshop at a Woodcraft store in Allentown Pennsylvania. It was about making pens (surprise, surprise). He was able to plan, learn, execute, and complete a pen in one session. He’s not always great about completing projects so this was an amazing experience for him.

When the time was right, he dove in and bought a lathe, tools, grinder for sharpening the tools, and a few other things to support his journey.

Although Charlie has made dozens and dozens of pens, he makes a number of other things as well. Most of the things he has made have been gifts to his family for Christmas. He loves coming up with the next idea of not only what he wants to make, but how he’s going to do it. Some of the things Charlie has made are jewelry items, peppermills, tea light holders, kaleidoscopes, ice cream scoops and pizza cutters.

When Charlie gets down in his workshop, it’s his own little universe. He is totally focused on what he’s doing and creating. Each and everything Charlie makes is a unique expression of creation.

If you see one of the pens, but you would like something a little different, or maybe multiples of it, please contact Charlie directly at: [email protected] and he will see what can be done. It usually takes about a week just to get more supplies so it’s not an overnight thing.

We have embarked on a vital fundraising initiative. Our goal is to raise $25,000.00 by December 31, 2023, in addition to our regular tithing income. In recent years, UBTS like many other spiritual communities and organizations have endured many challenges. We have turned many of these challenges into opportunity and hold the vision that we will continue to grow and evolve. We invite you to hold our financial future in abundant possibility and be an active participant in supporting our goal which will empower us to live our mission more fully: UBTS is a heart-centered, welcoming, and inclusive community that supports the spiritual awakening, empowerment, and transformation of individuals and the world.

Giving is easy and convenient, simply click the button below. Your contributions, irrespective of their size, play an integral role in the sustained success of Unity by the Shore and are deeply cherished.