Dear Friends
 
This is the final issue of Anthroposophy Worldwide for 2008 (see link below), and  we extend our warm and heartfelt greetings for a wonderful and light-filled Advent and Christmas and a strong and healthy New Year. It is a time where there is much disarray in many parts of the world, and one is clearly challenged to combat the unease and distress with the forces of goodwill and positivity which are so important especially at this time in the year. When light penetrates darkness, in our own souls, in our social environment and the world around us, we contribute actively towards healing forces so urgently needed.
 
At the Goetheanum there are preparations for the Oberufer Plays, for the Christmas Conference and the first performance of the  first Mystery Drama. On a more mundane level, we are also busy planning for the new year. This includes events and conferences far into the new year and the larger festival conferences and many more meetings and events. We are also heavily engaged in budget planning as a reflection of  what we can-- and cannot-- finance. This aspect too is clarifying and needs to be carried by the Goetheanum community as an expression not only of our will and intentions but also what can be financed and supported by friends and members. As with all such processes it is important to be clear about essential activities and commitments and what we feel we can and must accomplish. There will inevitably be important projects that must be postponed, and a number that may not be able to be carried out. And within all the sorting and refining there is much that will be done, and many opportunities to welcome members and friends to the Goetheanum to continue to deepen and enliven the anthroposophical impulse that lives  and works in so many differentiated ways throughout the world.
 
With best regards and good wishes,
 
Cornelius Pietzner
For the Vorstand