17 Dec | a.m

O people of Bahá! Subdue the citadels of men's hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance. They that dispute, as prompted by their desires, are indeed wrapped in a palpable veil.

- Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 54

In brief, encourage the friends individually to teach the Cause of God and draw their attention to this meaning of wisdom mentioned in the Writings, which is itself the essence of teaching the Faith - but all this to be done with the greatest tolerance, so that heavenly assistance and divine confirmation may aid the friends.

- Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 268

4 Dec | p.m

The thirteenth Glad-Tidings

O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the Ministers of the House of Justice that they may act according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which God hath revealed in His Book.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17

3 Dec | p.m

The thirteenth Glad-Tidings

The men of God's House of Justice have been charged with the affairs of the people. They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among His servants and the daysprings of authority in His countries.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17

4 Dec | a.m

The twelfth Glad-Tidings

The most despised of men in the sight of God are those who sit idly and beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of material means, placing your whole trust in God, the Provider of all means. When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite and all-pervasive bounty.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17

3 Dec | p.m

The twelfth Glad-Tidings

It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17

3 Dec | a.m

The eleventh Glad-Tidings

It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are useful and would redound to the progress and advancement of the people. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17

3 Dec | a.m

The tenth Glad-Tidings

As a token of grace from God, the Revealer of this Most Great Announcement, We have removed from the Holy Scriptures and Tablets the law prescribing the destruction of books.

- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 17