Christmas at Ananda
Invite the sacred into your life. It’s tangible this time of year, as if angels were celebrating so joyfully that we, too, can feel it. The holidays at Ananda are lively and beautiful — and a gentle reminder that “the kingdom of God is within.” This holiday season, renew yourself from sacred waters of inspiration, inside and out. (Scroll down for all the event details)
Sun 12/7 • Christmas Concert, 12:15 pm
Sun 12/14 • Holiday Crafts Fair, 11:30 am
Sat 12/20 • All-Day Meditation, 10 am–6 pm
Sun 12/21 • Caroling Party, 6 pm
Wed 12/24 • Christmas Eve Celebration, 5 pm meditation, 7:30 live creche, music, dance
Thur 12/25 • Christmas Day Family Service, 11am storytelling and theater, 12:30pm banquet
Wed 12/31 • New Year’s Eve: 5-6 pm meditation, vows ceremony, 6pm 7:30 program
(see below for all event details; all at Temple except caroling party, which meets in the Ananda Community)
The Holidays at Ananda — Celebrate!
Wednesday, 5-7pm • Evening program, 7:30pm
Meditate with others this holy evening, welcoming the birth of Christ consciousness into the world, and into ourselves. This period of silent meditation is followed by a short break at 7pm. The evening service begins at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, 7:30pm
With music, storytelling, kings, and shepherds, celebrate the coming of Christ consciousness in this holy time of year. Everyone participates at the close in a beautiful devotional candlelight ceremony at the feet of the baby.
Wednesday, Family Service, 11am - 12pm • Banquet, 12:30pm
A cast of children and adults illustrates the story as Asha narrates, bringing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem magically to life. Many adults say this is one of their favorite events of the year.
Thursday, 12:30pm, after Family Service
You, family members, and friends are warmly invited to enjoy a vegetarian banquet. A chance to connect with friends, new and old, along with some musical entertainment — fun-loving and inspiring.
New Years Eve meditation, 5-7pm
Join us for a special 2 hour meditation to welcome the new year. For those interested in taking renunciate vows in the Nayaswami order, the ceremony will be held at 6pm.
Wednesday, 7:30pm
Bring in the New Year with a renewed heart. This special evening weaves together music, meditation, and moments of reflection, creating a space to let go of the old and welcome the new with fresh energy.
5pm Meditation; 7:30pm Program
The anniversaries of a teacher’s birth and passing are especially powerful times to feel their inspiration and guidance. Celebrate Yogananda’s birthday with music, chanting, meditation, and a talk about his life and universal teachings. All are invited to take part in a simple offering at the altar.
Wednesday, 7pm - Midnight
The inspirational evening will include devotional chanting, music and a powerful fire ceremony. Come feel the liberating grace of God through the aspect of Shiva, the King of Yogis.
in lieu of our usual Sunday Service
Hear the story of Jesus in music, from his remarkable birth to his joy-filled resurrection, with a full choir, many beautiful solos, and instrumentalist pieces. Christ Lives: An Oratorio is winner of three music prizes in Europe, and has been sung for the Pope in Rome.
