This is an introduction to the spiritual and historical conditions prevailing during the restablishment of the General Anthroposophical Society at the "Christmas Conference" of 1923, just one year after its first center, the Goetheanum, was burned to its foundation. The author's purpose was to see Rudolf Steiner within the overall process of world history and so to recognize his spiritual mission while experiencing the nature of that important event.

"This anthroposophic movement is not an earthly service; this anthroposophic movement in its entirety, in all its details, is a service of the gods, a divine service." (opening lecture) At Christmastime 1923, one year after the first Goetheanum was destroyed by fire, Rudolf Steiner--in the wooden carpentry shop overlooking the charred ruins--established the General Anthroposophical Society and joined his destiny with it. This remarkable volume documents that occasion. Here, for the first time, English readers will find the complete proceedings of that founding meeting, as well as Steiner's in-depth description of the structure and organization of the new society. The discussions concerning the statutes are recorded in detail. The laying of the "Foundation Stone" in the hearts of the members forms the center of the book. "The Foundation Stone" verse is reproduced in various forms in which Rudolf Steiner gave it on each day of the conference, together with his comments on its various rhythms. Also included are Steiner's lecture on the plans for the second Goetheanum, illuminating the spiritual significance of its architecture, as well as a talk on the burning of the temple at Ephesus. The text is complemented by a list of members mentioned, with biographical data, as well as by facsimile reproductions of Steiner's handwritten notes and blackboard sketches. Here, as Henry Barnes wrote, "we have the 'footprints' of the process by means of which a spiritual archetype enters as a living reality into the human, social sphere, remaining true to its origins in the suprasensory realm, yet leaving each human individual free to unite him- or herself out of insight with the spiritual reality. READ BOBBY MATHERNE'S REVIEW OF THIS BOOK The Christmas Conference is a translation from German of Die Weihnachtstagung zur Begründung der Allgemeinen Anthroposophischen Gesellschaft (GA 260).

Showcases traditions, crafts, recipes, and customs from throughout three hundred years of American Christmas celebrations, with photographs and descriptions of holiday festivities in Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.

It's Christmas time, and Macca has a long list of presents that he would love to buy his friends. But when he checks his piggy bank, he realises that he's spent all of his savings. Oh no! This heartfelt celebration of friendship and kindness is the perfect Christmas story.

A “poignant” collection of real letters sent to Santa Claus—a town in Indiana—from the 1930s to the twenty-first century, from both children and adults (The New York Times). For countless Christmases, children—and sometimes adults—have stuffed their dreams, wishes, and promises into envelopes. Over many decades, millions of these letters have poured into Santa Claus, Indiana. Arriving from all corners of the globe, the letters ask for toys, family reunions, snow, and help for the needy—sometimes the needy being the writers themselves. They are candid, heartfelt, and often blunt. Many children wonder how Santa gets into their chimneyless homes. One child reminds Santa that she has not hit her brothers over 1,350 times that year, and another respectfully requests two million dollars in “cold cash.” One child hopes to make his life better with a time machine, an adult woman asks for a man, and one miscreant actually threatens Santa’s reindeer! Containing more than 250 actual letters and envelopes from the naughty and nice reaching back to the 1930s, this moving book will touch hearts and bring back memories of a time in our lives when the man with a white beard and a red suit held out the hope that our wishes might come true. “Often very affecting . . . also offers an unusual window into American history.” —Library Journal “The letters . . . are alternately silly and somber, hilarious and heartfelt.” —The Weekly Standard

“Who could argue with the message the authors draw from the Bible’s Christmas stories? Light in the darkest time of the year, hope in a period of creeping despair—these are powerful and universal themes that can give everyone a stake in Christmas.” —USA Today In The First Christmas Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan—top Jesus scholars and authors of The Last Week—help us see the real Christmas story buried in the familiar Bible accounts. Basing their interpretations on the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Borg and Crossan focus on the literal story—the inner truth rather than the historical facts—to offer a clear and uplifting message of hope and peace. With The First Christmas readers get a fresh, deep, and new understanding of the nativity story, enabling us to better appreciate the powerful message of the Gospels.

The Christmas Princess is an unforgettable holiday classic tale, told by Mariah Carey herself alongside Michaela Angela Davis and featuring beautiful illustrations by Fuuji Takashi. The Queen of Christmas introduces . . . Little Mariah! There was one time unlike any other, when everyone pitched in and helped one another . . . CHRISTMAS TIME! Mariah Carey, adored by fans around the world, has brought forth a unique, heartwarming, and modern fairy tale with The Christmas Princess, starring Little Mariah! Like her record-breaking, globally adored song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this story is an instant and inclusive family holiday classic. While firmly placed in the tradition of Christmas storytelling, The Christmas Princess is infused with her one-of-a-kind festive Mariah magic and musicality. Little Mariah doesn’t have much and doesn’t want a lot, but there is just one thing she longs for: a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Feeling outcast and alone, Little Mariah sets off on a wintry, wondrous journey, ultimately discovering the healing power of her voice to spread the spirit of Christmas at home and all around the world.

From Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy comes the long lost tale of the Christmas Witch, Santa Claus's much misunderstood twin sister. The perfect gift for the holiday season and beyond! Gather ‘round the fire to hear a Christmas legend that has never been told before...until now. Each year a mysterious figure sweeps into town, leaving behind strange gifts in the night. No, not Santa Claus, but his sister… The Christmas Witch. Her story begins many, many years ago when her brother was torn away from her as a child. Raised alone by a witch of the woods, Kristtörn's powers of magic grew, as did her temper. Determined to find her long lost twin, she set out on a perilous journey across oceans to find him. But what she found instead was a deep-seated fear of her powers and a confrontation that would leave the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance. From award-winning producer and actress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy comes a holiday story unlike any told before. With all the richness of classic folklore, they’ve woven a tale of bravery, love and magic. Whatever you thought you knew about Christmas…think again.

In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope. The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.