Each religion approaches the divine in a unique way. Here are ten universal paths practiced by devotees to find God and connect with the higher self.

Every path to God is a personal experience, a private journey. No one path is inherently superior, as all paths to God are valid and useful.
Jesus said, “I and the Father are One.” (John 10:30) Humans and God are one. As devotees draw nearer and nearer to God, the ultimate goal is to merge with the Divine in an intimately spiritual union. Sri Ramana Maharishi, the famous Indian guru who achieved enlightenment at the age of 16, asserts, “God, Guru, and the Self are the same.” (p. 10, Erase the Ego)
Meditation as a Means to Draw Near to God
When a devotee quiets the mind, the inner voice can be more easily heard and heeded. Meditation allows for the cultivation of the state of mind needed to achieve enlightenment.
Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and other religions use meditation as a means to quiet the inner chatter and hear the voice of God, or the wisdom of the Higher Self.
Prayer as a Communication and Primary Path to God
Prayer can take many forms, including recitation of a mantra or repetitions with a rosary. Prayer can be a silent plea to the universe or a specific, intimate dialog with a personal, living God.
Prayer can involve specific requests of God or the Universe; expressions of appreciation for blessings; and communications of thanks, or cries for help.
Temporary Vow of Silence to Find the Higher Self and God
Silence does not just involve resting the vocal cords. Many religions advocate silent retreats, such as Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.
Ritual silence can be used as a religious tool to quiet the mind to a deeper level than a meditative session. Silence is a disciplined, unique way to connect with the Higher Self and with God.
Yoga as a Discipline to Reconnect the Mind, Body, and Spirit With God
This ancient discipline is a subtle yet powerful path to God. The root word “yuj” means “to join, to yoke, to concentrate one’s attention.”
According to the Sanskrit Glossary of Yogic Terms, yoga is “a method of practice leading to conscious union of the human being (atman) with the universal existence of Brahman.” Brahman is the Hindu Trinity Godhead, similar to Christianity’s concept of the Holy Trinity. (Yoga Publications Trust, 2007)
Tithing and Offerings to God
Flowers, money, and personal sacrifice (as Catholics practice during Lent) are all examples of devotees’ external expressions of offering a part of themselves. Devotion is expressed through offerings, gift giving, giving of oneself. Tithing and offerings are expressions of love.
Acts of Kindness and Compassion as an Expression of the Divine
Jesus preached the importance of loving others, including it as one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses. The Dalai Lama teaches that compassion can be learned, and calls all who wish to achieve enlightenment to practice compassion.
Forgiveness is a supreme act of compassion, and also shows emotional and spiritual maturity. To forgive is divine, and is one way to draw closer to God.
Study of the Holy Texts Illuminate the Path to God
The Jewish religion emphasizes study as a means to understand and draw nearer to God. Christians study the Bible, revering the sacred text as a manifestation of God Himself: “And the Word became flesh…” (John 1:14)
Healthy Love of Self and Emotional Maturity as a Path to God
If God and the Self are the same, then a healthy love of self is absolutely necessary in spiritual growth, devotion to and love of God. Healthy love of oneself is a step in reconnecting to the Higher Self and emotional maturity allows for synthesis of mind, body and spirit.
Ethical Decisions Draw the Righteousness Near to God
Ethics does not involve right vs. wrong or good vs. evil, but rather entails a consistency of moral code. While some religions may differ on ideas and philosophies of morality, ethics and righteousness prove a powerful path to God, as a disciplined approach to what one believes is right.
Rituals as an Outward Expression of Devotion and Commitment to God
Pagans, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others all practice religious rituals. Culturally, humans crave ritual to give order and increase meaning to outward acts of devotion. Rituals can provide structure and discipline to devotion. Some use rituals as a tangible lifeline that leads directly to God.
Devotees can use one, several, or all of these paths to God and to the Higher Self. For example, japa mala combines ritual with prayer and meditation.
Just as seekers approach the study of the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, from different angles, so the seeker can approach and ultimately unite with the Divine, the One God, the Higher Self, or the Universe using any of these valid and powerful paths.

The Christmas Tree and the Holy Family
As with many other traditions and customs, there are a number of stories associated with the Christmas tree, several of which date back as far as the time of Christ. Legend tells how the Holy family were travelling to Egypt when they hid in a clump of cedar trees in an attempt to avoid King Herod’s men.

In an effort to hide the family from view the trees miraculously sprouted needles and their berries turned from white to blue to allow Mary’s robe to blend in. From that day forward, evergreens, as we know this type of tree, have kept their foliage and colour all year round, and it is said that if you cut a pine cone length ways you will see the tiny imprint of the Christ child’s hand in its flesh.

Martin Luther and the Christmas Tree
Two slight variations of another story tell how Martin Luther was returning home after a sixteenth century Christmas Eve service. One version tells how he was so overcome with the beauty of starlight glistening in the icicles like diamonds hanging from an evergreen tree that he cut down a small tree and took it home.
It’s believed that Luther decorated the tiny tree with candles because it reminded him that Jesus was the light of the world. The second version differs slightly, in as much as Martin Luther was overcome at the sight of thousands of stars twinkling through the foliage of the evergreens.

Modern Christmas Trees
Christmas trees have been a tradition in Germany as far back as the 16th century. Families would place an evergreen tree in their homes and decorate it with food, small toys and paper decorations.
By the middle of the century Christmas markets were a regular occurrence. Here it was possible to purchase anything that was needed for the Christmas festival, from the goose for the feast to decorations, including tinsel.

Tinsel was invented in Germany around 1610 and until the mid-20th century real silver was used having been pulled into wafer thin strips. Today in Britain, the Norway spruce, which was the traditional choice for a Christmas tree, has competition from a number of evergreens grown for their colour, fragrance and ability to retain their needles.

Examples of these include Balsam Fir and Colorado Blue Spruce. But whatever the choice of tree, whether it be a traditional ‘live’ tree or an artificial variety it is traditionally the focus point of many households over the Christmas period.

Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. It coveys the idea of something that underlies visible conditions and guarantees a future possession. Faith is, therefore, the basis for hope and the evidence for conviction concerning unseen realities. The entire body of truths delivered by Jesus Christ and his inspired disciples constitutes the true Christian “faith.”

As we go through our journey of faith to get true understanding, let us examine the farmer’s faith. The farmer prepares his soil and sows his seed, excepting, as in previous years, that the seed will sprout and that the plants will grow as they receive the needed moisture and sunshine. Likewise, the scientist has faith in the principles of his branch of science. He bases new experiments on past discoveries and looks for new discoveries on the basis of those things already established as true. Therefore, faith in the stability of the natural laws governing the universe actually constitutes a foundation for man’s plans and activities.

In many ways, “faith follows the thing heard.” Rom 10:17 says, ( So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.) John 4:39,41, says ( And many of the Samaritans had come to Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 41, And many more believed because of His word.)

Let us examine Abraham’s faith. When told to offer up Isaac, Abraham had strong faith that God would resurrect his son. He based such faith on God’s promise that it was by means of Isaac that “what will be called ‘your seed’ will be.” Gen. 21:12; says (But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.)

Jesus, on occasions, said to those who were healed, “Your faith has made you well.” Had those persons not exercised faith in Jesus, they would not have received healing for themselves. Likewise, the great faith of the army officer who entreated Jesus in behalf of his manservant rested on evidence, on the basis of which he concluded that Jesus’ merely ‘saying the word’ would result in the healing of his manservant.

Therefore, evidence for genuine conviction was also involved in the case of those who came to or who were brought to Jesus to be healed. Even if not eyewitnesses personally, they at least had heard about Jesus’ powerful works. Then, on the basis of what they saw or heard, they concluded that Jesus could heal them also. Moreover, they were acquainted with God’s Word and thus were familiar with the miracles performed by the prophets in times past.

However, we note that Jesus healed all who came to him, not requiring faith greater or less according to their disease, nor failing to heal any of these with the excuse that he could not do it because their faith was not strong enough, as so-called “faith healers” have done. Jesus performed these healings as a witness to establish faith. In his home territory, where much unfaithfulness was expressed, he chose not to perform many powerful works, not because of inability, but because the people refused to listen and were unworthy. Matt. 13:58 says, (Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.)

Christian Faith: As we continue in our journey of faith we discover that faith is not the possession of all people, as it is a fruitage of God’s spirit. 2 Thess 3:2 says,( and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.) Gal 5:22 says ( But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.) Those lacking faith are rejected by God. Heb 11:6 says, (But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)

For faith to be acceptable to God, it is necessary to accept Jesus Christ, and this makes possible a righteous standing with God. Gal 2:16 says, ( Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.)

A Christian’s faith is not static, but grows strong. 2 Thess 1:3 says, ( We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.) Hence, the request of Jesus’ disciples, in Luke 17:5 ‘Give us more faith.” was very appropriate, and he did provide them the foundation for increased faith. He supplied them with greater evidence and understanding on which to base their faith.

The entire life course of a Christian is actually governed by faith, enabling them to overcome mountain like obstacles in their journey of faith that would hinder their services to God. 2 Cor 5:7 says, (For “we walk by faith, not by sight. Matt 21:21-22 says, So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, ‘It will be done. “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” )

We now, have the true understanding of faith through God’s Words, and how it works, and how it will work in our lives. In ever thing we do, let us exercise our faith as to grow and become strong. James 2:26 says, ( For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.) As we walk through our journey of faith, let us apply the works needed to mature, and let us conquer all life’s obstacles through prayer so that we may acquire God’s guidance.

Abraham’s contract with God eventually gives birth to Israel and indirectly to the creation of Christianity and Islam.

F.E.Peters states in his article titled, “Abraham’s Miraculous Journey,”published in U.S.News & World Report, Collector’s Edition, that “a deity making contact with a paltry sheepherder on the margins of the Fertile Crescent, that the entire history of monotheism flows.” This sheepherder is said to be Abraham, whose descendants became the 12 Tribes of Israel.
God Made a Covenant with Abraham
According to the Holy Bible, Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great: and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The preceding is the covenant that God made with Abraham. Additionally, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning a father of many nations.
Abraham’s side of the bargain or covenant was that he must give fidelity to his only God. He also was required to circumcise all males in his household and require all future male descendants to be circumcised.
Abraham Doubts God

When Abraham heard from God that he and Sarah were to have a son, he fell down laughing. According to Genesis 17: 17, Abraham asked God, “Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old?” and “Shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?” The preceding passages demonstrates Abraham’s total shock and disbelief that he and Sarah were going to have a baby at their late age in life.
God immediately informed Abraham, that he and Sarah would have a son named Isaac. And most importantly, God would establish his covenant with Isaac and his children after him. The results being, Isaac’s son, Jacob. The subsequent 12 children of Jacob, turned out to be the 12 Tribes of Israel.
F.E.Peters states in his article titled, “Abraham’s Miraculous Journey,”published in U.S.News & World Report, Collector’s Edition, that “a deity making contact with a paltry sheepherder on the margins of the Fertile Crescent, that the entire history of monotheism flows.” This sheepherder is said to be Abraham, whose descendants became the 12 Tribes of Israel.
God Made a Covenant with Abraham
According to the Holy Bible, Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great: and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The preceding is the covenant that God made with Abraham. Additionally, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning a father of many nations.
Abraham’s side of the bargain or covenant was that he must give fidelity to his only God. He also was required to circumcise all males in his household and require all future male descendants to be circumcised.
Abraham Doubts God
When Abraham heard from God that he and Sarah were to have a son, he fell down laughing. According to Genesis 17: 17, Abraham asked God, “Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old?” and “Shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?” The preceding passages demonstrates Abraham’s total shock and disbelief that he and Sarah were going to have a baby at their late age in life.
God immediately informed Abraham, that he and Sarah would have a son named Isaac. And most importantly, God would establish his covenant with Isaac and his children after him. The results being, Isaac’s son, Jacob. The subsequent 12 children of Jacob, turned out to be the 12 Tribes of Israel.