ST. GEORGE — For the “From Figures of Faith” series, St. George News reached out to the Interfaith Council of St. George and asked if they had a message about the holiday season they would like to share with our readers.
The following was submitted by Laura Fairchild of the Baha’i Community
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“Know thou that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit.
We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. … He it is Who purified the world. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him.
—Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah XXXVI
These words of Baha’u’llah remind us of the significance of the life of Jesus. The Christmas story is an exciting story in the religious history of the world. The birth of Jesus, Baha’is believe, marked the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies about a new Manifestation of God. It marked the beginning of a very special childhood made distinct because of the innate wisdom that all Manifestations of the divine have, even as children. It heralded the life of yet another Manifestation of God who would suffer great tribulations and suffering to bring humanity towards God.
The life and ministry of Jesus transformed the lives of individuals – both in His lifetime and today – as well as humanity as a whole. His love and sacrifice infused the world with a new spirit. Blessed, indeed, are those who recognize the immense gift of His divine teachings.
Christmas is clearly of significance to Baha’is, who believe that Christ was a Manifestation of God. Baha’is – while believing in the divine origins of all world religions – follow the teachings of Baha’u’llah, who is believed to be the latest in the line of Messengers sent from God with laws to address the needs of humanity in this day and age.
Baha’is participate in the celebrations observed by their friends and family who adhere to other religions. As many Christians pause to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus, Baha’is too reflect on the significance of this day.
Adapted from Baha’I Blog ‘What Christmas Means to Baha’is: A Personal Reflection’
December 25, 2011, in > Holy Days & Baha’i Calendar, by Preethi
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St. George News will continue to add new messages to the “From Figures of Faith” series over the weekend leading up to Christmas Day. For all faith messages, click here.
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