December 31

Education and training are the most important issues in the world of existence. Without an educator, little progress can be made in material affairs, still less in spiritual affairs and divine morals. How can humanity find composure and eternal happiness without an educator? Apart from the human world observe the rest of creation, how each and every created thing is in need of training by an educator. Without education they will not attain perfection. For instance, this flower cannot by itself reach this perfection and attain this charm, color and loveliness. Thus, there are two great blessings in the world of existence: one is innate capacity which is bestowed by the Creator; and the other, acquired perfections which depend upon training by a teacher and educator. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 15, New York, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

December 30

The very existence of man’s intelligence proves his immortality; moreover, darkness proves the presence of light, for without light there would be no shadow. Poverty proves the existence of riches, for, without riches, how could we measure poverty? Ignorance proves that knowledge exists, for without knowledge how could there be ignorance? Therefore, the idea of mortality presupposes the existence of immortality—for if there were no Life Eternal, there would be no way of measuring the life of this world! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, November 10, 1911; ‘Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912’)

December 29

Scientific philosophy has demonstrated that a simple element (‘simple’ meaning ‘not composed’) is indestructible, eternal. The soul, not being a composition of elements, is, in character, as a simple element, and therefore cannot cease to exist. The soul, being of that one indivisible substance, can suffer neither disintegration nor destruction, therefore there is no reason for its coming to an end. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, November 10, 1911; ‘Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912’)

December 28

Those foundations of the religion of God… which are spiritual and consist in human virtues, are never subject to abrogation but are eternal and everlasting, and are renewed in every prophetic Dispensation. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

December 27

…at the end of the Mosaic Dispensation, which coincided with the advent of Christ, the true religion of God vanished from among the Jews, leaving behind a form without a spirit. The Holy of Holies was no more, but the outer court of the Temple—which signifies the outward form of the religion—fell into the hands of the Gentiles. In the same way, the very heart of the religion of Christ, which consists in the greatest human virtues, is no more, but its outward form has remained in the hands of the priests and monks. Likewise, the foundation of the religion of Muhammad is no more, but its outward form remains in the hands of the Muslim divines. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

December 26

The religion of God consists of two parts: One is the very foundation and belongs to the spiritual realm; that is, it pertains to spiritual virtues and divine qualities. This part suffers neither change nor alteration: It is the Holy of Holies, which constitutes the essence of the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh, and which will endure throughout all the prophetic Dispensations. It will never be abrogated, for it consists in spiritual rather than material truth. It is faith, knowledge, certitude, justice, piety, high-mindedness, trustworthiness, love of God, and charity. It is mercy to the poor, assistance to the oppressed, generosity to the needy, and upliftment of the fallen. It is purity, detachment, humility, forbearance, patience, and constancy. These are divine qualities. These commandments will never be abrogated, but will remain in force and effect for all eternity. These human virtues are renewed in every Dispensation; for at the close of each Dispensation the spirit of the law of God, which consists in the human virtues, vanishes in substance and persists only in form…

The second part of the religion of God, which pertains to the material world and which concerns such things as fasting; prayer; worship; marriage; divorce; manumission; legal rulings; transactions; and penalties and punishments for murder, assault, theft, and injury, is changed and altered in every prophetic Dispensation and may be abrogated—for policies, transactions, punishments, and other laws are bound to change according to the exigencies of the time. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

December 25

They [members of spiritual assembly] must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must obey and submit to the majority. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

December 24

The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be nonexistent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

December 23

...a musical and melodious voice imparteth life to an attracted heart, but lureth toward lust those souls who are engulfed in passion and desire. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘The Divine Art of Living’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)

December 22

Thou hast written regarding Buddha and Confucius. Buddha was an illustrious personage. Confucius became the cause of civilization, advancement and prosperity for the people of China. Now it is not the time when we discuss concerning the stations and positions of those who are passed away. We must concentrate our attention upon the present. What hath transpired in a former time is past. Now is the time when we restrict our discussion to the Most Great Luminary of Peace and Salvation in this Age, to talk of the Blessed Perfection [Bahá'u'lláh] and to voice His exhortations, behests and teachings. Buddha and Confucius were kings in bygone ages who have disappeared. Their sovereignty in this world is ended and their cycle is completed. Now the Throne of the Kingdom of Abha is established and the Blessed Perfection is sitting upon the Throne of Grandeur. We must raise this Call, promulgate the Word of God and live in accord with the teachings and advices of the Beauty of Abha. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas", vol. 2’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I,  Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects)

December 21

Our hope is that they [humanity during WW I] may be freed from the cruelty of passion and egoism; that these wicked powers may not overmaster them; that they may turn their faces toward God; that the hearts may become illumined; that the sphere of the minds be extended; that avarice and covetousness may not remain; that trust in God and self-reliance may take possession of their beings that they may be satisfied with their own rights and that they may not rise in aggression to trample under their feet the rights of others. May all of the causes of war and conflict, hardships and sufferings, be entirely removed! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, August 8, 1914, Haifa; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)

December 20

This terrestrial globe is a dark world of grossest matter. It is a world of sorrow and grief; a world of disappointment and unhappiness; a world of death. For the earth is after all the everlasting graveyard, the vast cemetery of man. Yet men fight to possess this graveyard, waging war and battle, killing one another. What an injustice is this! What ignorance! For the earth after all is spacious, and can hold all. It is so allotted that every man can derive his daily sustenance from it. The Lord does not suffer anyone to starve. All can be blessed with the abundant bestowals of God. But on account of pure superstitions, and by reason of old theological dogmas which have nothing to do with the fundamentals of Divine Religion, for the sake of such limitations, this bloodshed is taking place. [World War I] 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

December 19

…the United States is possessed of the capacity and capability of holding aloft the banner of international peace. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

December 18

May this nation, this noble people, [“the American people”] be the cause of unifying humanity! May this noble people spread broadcast the heavenly civilization and illumination! May it be the cause of the diffusion of the Love of God! May it proclaim the solidarity of mankind! May it be the cause of the guidance of the human race!

Therefore I request you to give this all important question your most serious consideration and efforts. Thus may the world of humanity obtain peace and composure. Thus may this dark world be transformed into a realm of radiance. Thus may the East and the West clasp hands together. Thus may the Oneness of God become reflected and fully revealed or mirrored forth in the hearts of humanity and all mankind prove to be the manifestations of the Favors of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

December 17

…you must strive to strengthen the foundation of the Religion of God. Through the Power of the Religion of God every difficulty will be disentangled. The Power of the Religion of God will humble the kings and set at naught the crooked motives of those who are in supreme authority. Then endeavor ye, that the Power of True Religion which breathes the Spirit of Life into the dead body of the world of humanity, may be promulgated. This is the antidote for the poisoned body of the world and a quick healing remedy for the rancorous disease of man. For this reason, diffuse thou as much as thou art able the sweet Fragrance of the Holy Spirit, teach the people the Divine advice and exhortations and spread far and wide the heavenly Teachings… 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)

December 16

Betting on horse racing is a pernicious disease. It hath been seen in Europe what distress this hath caused. Thousands have become afflicted and distraught. The friends of God must engage in work which is lawful and attracteth blessings, so that God's aid and bounty may always surround them.” 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, quoted in a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, June 20, 1972: Extracts Concerning Gambling, Lotteries and Raffles, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

December 15

O maid-servant of God! Verily, all existence is [a book of] pages and tablets which utter the glad-tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Supreme, the Great.

Observe the pages of the universe and discover the traces which appeared! Hast thou seen or heard in any of the previous centuries or generations that which is manifested in this Glorious Age? If the writings of the previous centuries, the middle centuries and the later centuries, be compared with that which is manifested in this single century, they will not weigh against it! nay, rather, they are as drops of water in comparison with the ocean. Magnified is He, who hath crowned this century with the appearance of His Kingdom! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

December 14

Hypnotism hath a weak influence over bodies, but hath no result. But the power of the Kingdom of God is great. If thou canst, endeavor to obtain a share of that power. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

December 13

Thank God, thy faith increased and thou didst become attached to the Kingdom of the Merciful. Endeavor and supplicate and pray God that, day unto day, thy firmness and steadfastness may grow and that thy countenance may radiate through the light of guidance. Thus shalt thou stand solid as an iron mountain. For firmness attracts the bounty of God and steadfastness is a magnet to receive His strength. Pray thou God for this (attainment)… 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

December 12

O thou seeker of the True One! If thou wishest the divine knowledge and recognition, purify thy heart from all beside God, be wholly attracted to the ideal, beloved One; search for and choose Him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments. For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will be opened and will recognize the Sun through the Sun itself. Then (man) will be in no need of arguments (or proofs), for the Sun is altogether independent, and absolute independence is in need of nothing, and proofs are one of the things (of which absolute independence has no need). Be not like Thomas; be thou like Peter. I hope you will be healed physically, mentally and spiritually. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

December 11

O my Lord, my Hope! [1] 

Thanks be unto Thee for these foods and benefits. O Lord! Suffer us to ascend to Thy Kingdom and to sit at the tables of thy divine world. Nourish us with the food of Thy meeting and cause us to attain to the sweetness of beholding Thy beauty, forasmuch as this is the utmost wish, the mightiest gift and the greatest bestowal. O Lord, O Lord! Make this feasible unto us. Verily Thou art the Beneficent, the Giver! Verily Thou art the Bestower, the Mighty, the Merciful. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

[1] May be said after meals

December 10

O my Lord, my Hope!  [1]

Praise be unto Thee, for Thou hast sent down unto us this spiritual table, supreme benefit and heavenly blessing. O our Lord! Strengthen us to partake of this heavenly food, so that its fine essence may run through the pillars of our spiritual being and that we may thereby obtain a celestial power for serving Thy Cause, promulgating Thy signs and adorning Thy vineyard with lofty trees, the fruits whereof shall be near (to gather) and of perfuming fragrances. Verily Thou art the Possessor of great bounty! Verily Thou are the Clement, the Merciful! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

[1] May be said before meals

December 9

O my friend, it is incumbent upon thee to be severed (from all else save God), to be attracted, to be sincere, and to spend thy life in the path of God. Be thou holy, spiritual, divine, lively, brilliant, godlike, sanctified, pure, with merciful character, firm in the Covenant, fluent and knowing; and gaze toward the Kingdom of Abha with a heart brimming over with the love of God, with tears flowing the commemoration of God, with a face scintillating through the light of God, with a heart sincere to the beloved of God, and with a sword which divides truth from falsehood. By God, the True One, the Spirit of Baha’ will assist thee with such strength that all the concourse of the earth will fail (to withstand). 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

December 8

A Supreme Tribunal shall be elected by the peoples and governments of every nation, where members from each country and government shall assemble in unity. All disputes shall be brought before this Court, its mission being to prevent war. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk; ‘Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, Peace)

December 7

Thank thou and bless thou the Lord for He hath allowed thee to offer Him the Right of God [1].  This is verily a special favour on His part, for thee; praise Him then for this commandment that is set forth in the Scriptures of thy Lord, of Him that is the Ancient of Days. Verily is He the Loving, the Tender, the Ever-Bestowing. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

[1] Huququ’llah

December 6

His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh has given instructions regarding every one of the questions confronting humanity. He has given teachings and instructions with regard to every one of the problems with which man struggles. Among them are (the teachings) concerning the question of economics that all the members of the body politic may enjoy through the working out of this solution the greatest happiness, welfare and comfort without any harm or injury attacking the general order of things. Thereby no difference or dissension will occur. No sedition or contention will take place. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘Star of the West’, vol. 13, no. 9, December 1922; and "Foundations of World Unity"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)

December 5

Hold thou fast to the Covenant of thy Lord, and as the days go by, increase thy store of love for His beloved ones. Bend thou with tenderness over the servitors of the All-Merciful, that thou mayest hoist the sail of love upon the ark of peace that moveth across the seas of life. Let nothing grieve thee, and be thou angered at none. It behoveth thee to be content with the Will of God, and a true and loving and trusted friend to all the peoples of the earth, without any exceptions whatever. This is the quality of the sincere, the way of the saints, the emblem of those who believe in the unity of God, and the raiment of the people of Bahá. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

December 4

A society of Unity is formed, that is good—but meetings and discussions are not enough. In Egypt these meetings take place but there is only talk and no result. These meetings here in London are good, the knowledge and the intention are good, but how can there be a result without action? Today the force for Unity is the Holy Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh. He manifested this spirit of Unity. Bahá’u’lláh brings East and West together. Go back, search history, you will not find a precedent for this. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

December 3

In the same way that you have education and material progress so may the light of God be your portion. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, September 22nd, 1911, London, England; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

December 2

I hope that the people of the West may be illumined by the light of God; that the Kingdom may come to them, that they may find eternal Life, that the Spirit of God may spread like a fire among them, that they may be baptized with the Water of Life and may find a new birth. This is my desire; I hope by the will of God, He will cause you to receive it, and will make you happy. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, September 22nd, 1911, London, England; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

December 1

Christ is ever in the world of existence. He has never disappeared out of it.... Rest assured that Christ is present. The Spiritual beauty we see around us today is from the breathings of Christ. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)