Browsed by
Tag: Advent

Five Simple Ways to Savor the Last 10 Days of Advent

Five Simple Ways to Savor the Last 10 Days of Advent

Ten more days! Are you feeling overwhelmed about getting it all done? Do you feel like there is still too much to do? Is there an internal struggle between getting things done and remaining prayerful and focused on Jesus? This reminder that there are only 10 days until Christmas Day is not meant to make you more stressed out or anxious than you already feel. No, this reminder is to encourage you (and me) to take a breath, to pause,…

Read More Read More

Waiting and Watching With Mary This Advent

Waiting and Watching With Mary This Advent

This article was originally published on the WINE: Women In the New Evangelization blog, as a reflection on the readings for the first Sunday of Advent. Since that was just a few days ago, I thought I would share it here, too, as part of the #WorthRevisit series. Seven years ago, I had the beautiful privilege of being pregnant during the Advent season. I was anticipating a Christmas baby, so I couldn’t help but think a lot about the Blessed…

Read More Read More

Advent Traditions My Family Loves

Advent Traditions My Family Loves

With Thanksgiving just two days away, there is a lot to do. My plans include cooking, baking, and cleaning. I have always liked the Thanksgiving holiday. To be with family and friends, to pause in gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. It’s a good day. Often, the Advent season begins the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. We have just a couple of days to transition from pumpkins and fall hues to our Advent wreath of purple and pink. This year, however, Advent…

Read More Read More

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!

I just love Christmas Eve. Attending Mass this evening is my favorite part of Christmas. I become overwhelmed with joy, as O Come All Ye Faithful announces the beginning of this holy day, this holy season. I cannot help but put myself—and all those weary travelers who are with me in Church—right in the Nativity scene. It is as if we are following the star of wonder … we are like the shepherds going to see the Baby in the stable … I…

Read More Read More

Rejoice! God is Giving Us Christmas!

Rejoice! God is Giving Us Christmas!

This reflection is the fourth in a four-part series that supplements the free Advent prayer journal I am offering to email subscribers. You may read part one HERE, part two HERE, and part three HERE. *** One more week, and we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. Ready or not, Christmas is coming. This Advent, we may have started out a bit weary, a bit sorrowful, a bit worn out. We heard Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest, and we rested in His…

Read More Read More

Celebrating the Feast of St. Lucia

Celebrating the Feast of St. Lucia

For as long as I can remember, December 13 has been an extra-special day in our family. It is the Feast of St. Lucia, which is my daughter’s name-day. She has loved this day and the saint we celebrate ever since she could grasp its specialness. We have cinnamon rolls for breakfast and read a favorite book about St. Lucy. Since her birthday is in the summer, she usually brings treats into school on this day. But six years ago, a…

Read More Read More

Advent Offers a Thrill of Hope While We Wait

Advent Offers a Thrill of Hope While We Wait

This reflection is the third in a four-part series that supplements the free Advent prayer journal I am offering to email subscribers. You may read part one HERE and part two HERE. *** Have you ever felt a little lost? Have you ever wondered what your God-given purpose really is? A year ago, that’s how I was feeling—lost and unsettled about my purpose. Then, an amazing opportunity came my way. It was a dream come true, and I was excited! I was going to…

Read More Read More

Meeting Jesus in the Quiet and Crazy of Advent

Meeting Jesus in the Quiet and Crazy of Advent

As I sat in front of my computer on Cyber Monday, browsing the websites of various retailers, irritability peeked its ugly head. Site after site, I wasn’t finding what I was looking for at all. I was running out of ideas, and panic filled my heart. I closed the browser and walked away with a big, heavy sigh. It wasn’t even December 1, and I was already feeling behind on all of my Christmas preparations. But why? Looking at the…

Read More Read More

An Advent Playlist: Music for the Season of Expectant Hope

An Advent Playlist: Music for the Season of Expectant Hope

Way back in 2009, I was inspired to create an Advent playlist. I love Christmas music so much, but I was trying to focus on what the actual season of Advent was all about—waiting, hoping, longing, preparing. I didn’t want to celebrate Christmas too early. And so, I searched for music that reflected the true spirit of Advent—waiting for Jesus, journeying with Mary, growing in excitement, preparing my heart and home. This Advent, I was inspired to dig up that…

Read More Read More

Advent’s Gift of Silence and Stillness

Advent’s Gift of Silence and Stillness

Today’s post is the second in a four-part Advent series. To read the first post in the series, click here. I am blessed to be over on the WINE: Women In the New Evangelization blog today, too! *** I open my planner and see all of the “to-dos” on my list, many more than usual. Each task, in and of itself, is a delightful privilege to do for my family. As a mom, I know I am instrumental in making the…

Read More Read More