All Faiths' Day is a holiday started by the Universal Terran Church in 2003. UTC member Beatrice Camp suggested the name to Rev. Mirlin Poplar when he proposed a special holiday that would recognize the three main religious holidays of the month
of December, namely Yule, Christmas and Hanukkah.

History

The first All Faiths' Day celebration was Sunday, December 20 2003 at the home of Joshua Mandelstam in Canandaigua, New York The second All Faiths' Day celebration was at the Rustic Village Clubhouse in Rochester, New York on December 12 2004. The third All Faiths' Day was observed on December 10, 2005 in Rochester, New York at the home of Kenneth Jacobs and in Florida at the home of Rev. Kourtnie James.

Originally, All Faiths Day combined three religious holidays; Yule, Christmas and Hanukkah. Kwanzaa was not represented because it is a cultural holiday and not a spiritual holiday.

Yule Observance

The typical observance has been presented as a trinity service, featuring three tables, one for Yule also known as the Winter Solstice, Christmas and Hanukkah. Yule is considered by many to be the oldest of the three holidays and because of that, it is presented first. The Yule table has been decorated with items traditionally associated with Yule such as a Yule log, yule tree, holly, poinsettas (the red leaves are said to represent the Sun) and a wreath (said to represent the "Wheel of the Year". A presenter, usually someone of the Pagan or Wiccan faith, addresses the assembled participants and explains the meaning of each item on the table, talks about the history of Yule and how it's many traditions have often been added to and confused with those of Christmas. The presenter also lights the Yule log and offers a Yule blessing.

Hanukkah Observance

Hannukah is the next oldest holiday, dating back to about 165 BCE, and it is the second holiday to be observed at a typical All Faiths Day observance. On the table is a menorah surrounded by various jewish items and symbols. The story of Hanukkah and the miracle of the oil is told. The menorah is explained and a lighting is held. The number of candles lit on the All Faiths Day menorah depends upon which day of Hannukah it currently happens to be.
The menorah is lit and the menorah blessing is recited by members of the Jewish faith.

Menorah Blessing

1. Baruch ata Hashem, Elokenu melech ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu I'hadlik ner shel Chanukah.

(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to light the Chanukah lamps.)

2. Baruch ata Hashem, Elokenu melech ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avotenu, bayamim hahem bazeman hazeh.

(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has done miracles for our fathers in bygone days, at this time.)

3. Baruch ata Hashem, Elokenu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu, vekiyemanu vehigi'anu lazeman hazeh.

(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has given us life, and has sustained us, and has brought us to this time.)

For more on this see: Hannukah Laws

Christmas Observance

Being the youngest of the three holidays, Christmas is observed third. The table is adorned with a traditional nativity scene and items commonly associated with the birth of Christ. A presenter of the Christian faith tells the traditional story of the birth of Christ, gives a brief explanation of the Advent season, and talks about some of the traditions of the Christmas season that do not have origins that were borrowed from Yule. A white candle is lit to symbolize the Star Of Bethlehem that led the wise men to the baby Jesus while these verses from the Christian bible are read.

Luke 2:8-16