The importance of observing Advent (and not just Christmas)

Happy almost-Advent! In honor of the coming season, I joined Morning Air this week to talk about the difference between Advent and Christmas, how to not get caught up in materialism (but also don’t be too hard on yourself if you are), and heard from a caller with a reflection on the first nativity scene, which was created by St. Francis. You can listen here, starting around minute 32.

Is your tree up yet? Ours are going up this weekend (two big ones, one little one in different parts of the house. Yippee!). One of the things we talked about in the interview is that this time of year is, indeed, meant to be fun and joyful, even if defined by hopeful waiting. So, if you need permission to begin decorating: consider it given.

Wishing you a blessed Advent!

St. Paul on thankfulness

When I think of instances in Scripture where the author exhorts the reader to give thanks to God, I think of St. Paul. In his letters, the directive to be thankful to Christ is a feature. For example:

“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Ultimately, as I wrote in 2017, gratitude is a prayer. And if you want even more quotes to inspire your thankfulness to God, Southern Living has a great article recently published, 35 Thanksgiving Bible Verses To Inspire You This Holiday. You will find the call to thankfulness in every part of the Bible, from Psalms to Revelation.

I will leave you with one of the most intriguing quotes on gratitude from a near-saint, Blessed Solanus Casey. He instructed people: “Thank God ahead of time.” Isn’t that intriguing? Because you are not only being obedient to God’s will in that prayer, you are also implicitly trusting him, too. Two big asks of the human spirit. It is a prayer worth repeating.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Americans Want More Kids, and That’s a Great Thing – Part 2

Here she is: part 2 of the two-part articles on Americans’ increasing desire for larger families.

Americans Want More Kids, and That’s a Great Thing – Part 2

I will return to Morning Air next Tuesday, November 28 to talk about preparing for Advent. Fun fact: I have been in Morning Air to talk about preparing for Advent probably more than any other topic. So, it’s like an annual tradition. As a matter of fact, this article, Five Ways to Make the Most of Advent, was the reason I was invited on the show for the first time ever, back in 2016. Advent starts Sunday, December 3, and concludes Christmas eve, December 24. Here comes the most wonderful time of year!

You can tune in next Tuesday at 7:10 am eastern here.