Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Dear readers, Merry Christmas, happy new year, and a belated happy Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God! I hope your holiday celebrations were merry and peaceful.

And, in case you missed it, last month I once again joined John Morales on the Morning Air Show, this time to talk about hospitality as a gift. Listen here. I reflected on this topic in the midst of holiday party-having, and how the act of bringing together (and feeding!) people is its own gift. So if you’re feeling a little fatigued from hosting friends or family over the past few weeks, just remember, it was truly a gift you gave them, one with metaphysical and spiritual benefits for you.

I will next be on Morning Air next Tuesday, January 9 at 7:10 am eastern (give or take; the time is somewhat subject to change) and I will actually be talking about Christmas still - and why Christmas’s spiritual lessons are ones you take into the entire year. Think charity, almsgiving, and especially joy. Find your station here, or listen live online here.

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!