On the 8th day of Yule we honor Individuality. Our Folk have always honored the hero, the one who stands tall and achieves greatness. This Yule I would encourage us all to BE the hero. Do more. Be more. Odin is the God of heroes and those who grow, those who evolve and those who ascend. It is the nature of our Noble Folk always to strive for more, for better, even the bounds of this Earth cannot hold our aspiration to become more. We look to the stars, not merely as a curiosity but as a destiny and a goal. I challenge each of us to reach for the stars and EVERY day become a little smarter, a little stronger, a little better. Direct your Individuality ever upward towards greatness!

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

Today is all about Community. I am so proud of our AFA Community…our AFA family. This Yule we have 23 strong and proud AFA Kindreds celebrating around the world. In the United States, no matter where you are, you have AFA brothers and sisters close by with very few exceptions. Community is all about people, people that come together to be part of something bigger than themselves. Thank you to all our members and all our AFA Kindreds that make our Community the very best in Midgard!

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

Today we think on Moderation. An important thing to remember in this regard is will. As a noble people, we happen to things rather than allowing things to happen to us. As you celebrate, or partake of anything for that matter, CHOOSE to by your will. Feast heavily when you choose and because you have made the decision to, stop eating and step away from the plate when you decide you have had enough. Drink because you choose to partake, drink water instead when you make the choice that you have had enough. Do not accidentally be tossed about by life’s waves, chart a course by your will and sail through life as a noble son or daughter of Odin.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

On the fifth day of Yule we honor Hospitality. Thank you to all the AFA members and families who have opened up their homes to our folk, to celebrate and to honor our Gods. Whenever we open our homes to our AFA family, we build solid and lasting bonds. Hospitality ties us together in a way that nothing else can and we appreciate those folks who have opened up their doors and hosted. As we go from house to house enjoying the each other’s Hospitality, let us all remember to be good guests and to bring something to contribute as well as a heart full of joy. Hail the Host! Hail the Guest! May AFA households and our Church it’self be known for our Hospitality……After all, the AFA is about coming HOME.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

Today we celebrate Generosity. The AFA has been able to accomplish great things in 2018. We have had countless events and the growth has been astounding. We would not have been able to accomplish this without the Generosity of our amazing AFA family and some big-hearted friends. The Asatru Folk Assembly would like to thank each and everyone of you for your dues and your donations in 2018 and since the beginning. Your Generosity is massively impactful and deeply appreciated. THANK YOU.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

On the third day of Yule we celebrate Courage. Courage doesn’t live in bygone days facing foes with sword and shield or standing fast against a mythical dragon. Courage starts by living a life consistent with your beliefs and values. Courage is being a Folkish Asatruar in real life with your real name and participating enthusiastically with others of like mind in real community. Scary things become much less frightening when you stand next to stalwart brothers and sisters facing the same challenges. We all have to temper Courage with sound judgement, but, lets think today on ways we can live more authentically and be Courageous in our own lives.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

On this second day of Yule, our minds turn to Justice. In this wolf age that surrounds us, the sickness of forced “equality” is used as a cudgel against accomplishment and beauty. In the AFA, we know that no one, and nothing, is equal. All are different, all are unique. Worth and accomplishment, or lack thereof, earn different rewards. The ability to become more than we are offers hope and incentivizes great deeds. Let us treat our fellows as men and not as numbers. Let us celebrate the hero and scorn the villain. In our own lives, and in our spheres, let us be Just and seek Justice in the world we are creating. As we celebrate, let us think with love and compassion on our brothers and sisters facing colossal injustice in South Africa because of our shared blood and ancestors. We see, we know, and we care.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly

Today we celebrate the first day of Yule. Each day we will share the Twelve Days of Yule videos from our founder, Steve McNallen. These videos are a holiday tradition that we have all grown to love and look forward to over the years. Each day is focused on a special theme and the first is Industriousness. The AFA has accomplished so much over the last 12 months, the growth and the success is astonishing. The development and victories of our AFA Kindreds is beyond what any could have imagined. The evolution and refinement of our individual members has been an inspiration to us all. These accomplishments are the result of blood, sweat and tears. These accomplishments are a testament to Industriousness. Thank you to every member of our AFA family for your hard work and dedication. A special thanks the the volunteers, the Folkbuilders and the Gothar for all the time and effort that you all put in to make our church worthy of our noble Folk and our holy Gods. Your Industriousness is much appreciated.

Matthew D. Flavel
Alsherjargothi,
Asatru Folk Assembly