The Day of the Covenant Celebration
- Uplifting Words
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The Day of the Covenant Celebration is a joyful and reflective gathering that invites children and families to learn about the life, service, and enduring message of unity and love embodied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Through stories, quotations, visuals, and interactive activities, the program explores His steadfastness, compassion for the poor, and unwavering commitment to the oneness of humanity, even in the face of hardship and imprisonment. Together, participants are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the Covenant, the importance of unity in all its forms, and how each of us can express love, service, and faithfulness in our own lives.
O God! Educate these children.These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy garden.Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love.Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they may be trained, grow and develop, and appear in the utmost beauty.Thou art the Giver.Thou art the Compassionate.
-‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá - “It Is the Time for Love”
When ‘Abbás Effendi was eight years old, his father, Bahá’u’lláh, was thrown into a horrible dungeon called the “Black Pit.” Why? Simply because He believed in a new Messenger of God called “the Báb” (“the Gate”). ‘Abbás’shome in Tihrán, Persia (now Iran), was robbed, and the family had to go into hiding. They couldn’t find enough to eat. ‘Abbás was chased by bullies in the streets. The Báb’s teachings encouraged education, the equality of women and men, and helping the poor. He also promised that another Messenger of God would soon appear. In the Black Pit, Bahá’u’lláh saw a divine vision announcing that He was the Messenger foretold by the Báb. Even as a child, ‘Abbás recognized his father’s station. He later took the name “‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” which means “Servant of Bahá.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was 24 when his family was sent to the prisoncityof ‘Akká, Israel. Over time, as conditions eased, he went into the city to help the poor. His struggles never got in the way of his service. He said, “I was happy in imprisonment. I was in the utmost elation because I was not a criminal. They had imprisoned me in the path of God.” When Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892, He left a will naming ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the leader of the Bahá’í Faith. ‘Abdu’lBahá guided the Bahá’ís with wisdom and love. Though still imprisoned, he wrote inspiring letters and encouraged them to share the Faith around the world.
The Seven Candles of Unity
The first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned.
The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will erelong be witnessed.
The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass.
The fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendour.
The fifth candle is the unity of nations --a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland.
The sixth candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race.
The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e.(that is), the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse.
O God! O God!Thou sees tmy weakness, lowliness and humility before Thy creatures; nevertheless, I have trusted in Thee and have arisen in the promotion of Thy teachings among Thy strong servants, relying on Thy power and might. - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
