Saint Lucy: A Light in Winter’s Darkness
While we wait for the coming of Christ this Advent, Sarah Damm introduces us to Saint Lucy, whose life is a light in winter’s darkness.
Need an Advent Penance? Meet the Ember Days
During Advent, the traditional Ember Days invite us to slow down, enter into the quiet and stillness of Advent, and truly prepare Him room.
6 Ways to Prepare a Quiet Advent Now
Sarah Damm offers 6 ways to prepare now for a quiet Advent so we can truly be ready for Christ’s coming this Christmas.
Forming Holiday Traditions Rooted in Faith
Holiday traditions are important to all of us, but many of us desire traditions rooted in faith. Sarah Damm shares some ideas.
How to Ensure a Peaceful Advent Season
Sarah Damm details a plan to allow more time for family, friends, and holiday traditions as you experience a peaceful, prayerful Advent season.
Saying Yes to God … Even When We Don’t Feel Ready
Over the last three Sundays of December, we have heard the promises of Christ’s coming. We have been encouraged to “not become drowsy from … the anxieties of daily life” (Luke 21:34). We have been invited to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4). And when we asked, “What should we do?” (Luke 3:10), we were told of the Messiah and all He would do for us. Now, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we hear, “Blessed are you…
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,…
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…
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…
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…