As we enter the holiday season, the shorter days and long nights are a natural time of reflection and introspection.

It should be no surprise that the religious holidays coincide with the winter solstice, the rebirth of the Sun assimilated by Christianity as the birth of the Son.

Many people have asked over the years, “What is The Farm’s religion?”

The Farm was founded as a spiritual community.  We believe that all religions share essential truths that are universal.  It is these truths which resonate in the heart of each and every one of us.  We can all recognize and appreciate the cultural differences that define the many different religions on our planet without allowing them to divide us.

It is important to make a distinction between religion and spirituality.  Religions are generally based on the experience of others, often taking place hundreds even thousands of years ago.  Spirituality is experienced and practiced directly, a path one follows in this lifetime. Spiritual principles serve as a guide, the foundation that empowers us as we make decisions and choices, so that when our time comes and our journey ends on this earth, we can be at peace.

The power in the story of Jesus is his message of universal love, compassion and forgiveness. We honor the Christ consciousness in every born child and the symbols that bring us together this time of year.

If we begin here and use this as the basis of how we care for each other, how we care for everyone, perhaps one day our world will truly know peace.