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…
Two and a half weeks ago, my family and I gathered around our Christmas tree. Excitement and joy mingled with the festive scents of hot coffee, cinnamon rolls, and pine needles. The kids piled their gifts next to them and eagerly wondered what was inside each wrapped box. As I sipped my coffee and breathed in Christmas goodness, I felt grateful. For the first time in forever, I felt like Christmas had arrived and I had arrived with it. I…
“And this is the marvel of marvels, that He called me Beloved.” (C.S. Lewis) The warm sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the sky. I wear a white robe, and I am standing in chest-deep water. It is the perfect temperature—comfortable and refreshing at the same time. I have been following John for awhile, and his message of repentance resonates deep in my heart. I wonder how I can apply his words—“Prepare the way of the…
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,…
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…
Today’s #WorthRevisit post was originally published on the WINE: Women In the New Evangelization blog, last December. Today is the fourth day of Christmas. *** On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … six geese a-laying. For much of our world, Christmas has come and gone. Christmas trees are on the curb, and decorations are packed away for another year. But in our Catholic Church, we are still in the midst of the Christmas season,…
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…
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…
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…
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…