Celebrating the Daily Word Centennial

I look forward to some new years more than I do others. Some years I feel a little let down after the holidays. It’s still getting dark too early, and most of winter is still to come. But I remember welcoming other years—preparing for my spring wedding, finishing coursework in anticipation of my summertime graduation—with eagerness and excitement. 2024 is one of those years. When I flipped through my new Unity calendar before I hung it, I felt a rush of happiness thinking about the many ways we at Unity will be celebrating the Daily Word centennial this year.

When I discovered Unity in the summer of 2000, Daily Word was the first of its publications I read. The tone and messages were positive and encouraging and jibed with the uplifting church services I had begun to attend. Right away I could feel something shifting within me, as I got a glimpse into a new, more hopeful way of living. I remember it felt almost too good to be true. Daily Word became my companion that summer, and in the years that followed it has been a comfort and an inspiration.

So many of our readers have stories similar to mine. They have found Daily Word in many ways. For some, it’s been in their families for as long as they can remember and is passed down from one generation to the next. For others, Daily Word has been a gift or a lifeline during times of trial and struggle. It’s especially gratifying to receive comments from readers who remark, “Today’s message was written just for me.”

Starting the Year Off Right

At Unity, we hold our daily devotional dear. We are in awe of its life-changing impact and feel honored and blessed to create each issue for you, the reader. Over the last several months, we planned and worked to provide an array of products, stories, and experiences to deepen your connection with Daily Word.

We started our celebrations late last year when we published the book 100 Years of Daily Word. This collection contains content that spans Daily Word’s first 100 years, from its inception and history to its many changes, including its worldwide reach. The book also contains decades of messages, poems, and articles on our most beloved topics, including healing, prosperity, and prayer.

By now you’ve probably received the 2024 Unity calendar Spiritual Sunshine: 100 Years of Daily Word. This year’s calendar features stunning photos of Unity Village, Daily Word affirmations from past issues, along with images of vintage magazine covers. It’s quite possible some of the affirmations in this calendar were enjoyed by your parents or grandparents. Our calendar is a wonderful way of affirming spiritual truth daily and celebrating our centennial all year long.

If you’ve seen these two products, it’s likely you have noticed our special logo that also graces the cover of the January/February Daily Word and will appear on each of this year’s issues.

We encourage you to visit the Unity World Headquarters website go.unity.org/DailyWord100 for a collection of articles and testimonials about how Daily Word has helped, healed, and inspired our readers. On this page, you’ll find excerpts from the book along with new, online-only articles.

Also Coming in 2024

Check the Daily Word Facebook page for monthly posts featuring vintage photos of former editors and past covers, and plan to join us on the Unity Facebook page for monthly prayer services that will feature historic readings. In these services, you will be able to take a refreshing prayer pause and steep yourself in Daily Word history.

You are invited to attend the online event Unity Books Presents on Tuesday, March 12. I will join Rev. Ellen Debenport and featured speakers from the upcoming Fillmore Festival to discuss Daily Word, its impact, and its future. It’s sure to be a lively conversation and a great preview of our in-person celebration this August.

You will be able to further your enjoyment of our centennial year and share it with others with our upcoming 100 Years of Daily Word jigsaw puzzle, which will be available for purchase in April. And be sure to check your inbox for email on special discounts on Daily Word throughout the year.

We’re perhaps most excited to welcome you to Unity Village this August for Fillmore Festival. We’re planning an exciting lineup of speakers, other activities, and time to explore and enjoy our beautiful grounds. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in fellowship with other Daily Word readers and explore Unity Village, including our stunning new labyrinth.

In Gratitude

I could not have known when I walked through the doors of a Unity church and picked up my first copy of Daily Word almost 24 years ago the wonderful changes that would be in store for me. Daily Word has blessed and inspired me as it has so many others. It is with a joyful and grateful heart I invite you to join me in commemorating and celebrating 100 years of Daily Word.