On this holy night, the Church gives us a canticle that feels like a deep breath before dawn—Philippians 2:6–11, the great hymn of Christ’s self-emptying love. It’s the story beneath every Nativity scene, the truth hidden in the quiet of Bethlehem: the eternal Word, born of the Father before time began, emptied himself for our sake.
Continue reading “The Night of Christ’s Descent”
In these final days of Advent, I keep returning to Mary’s song in Luke’s Gospel, the Magnificat, her great cry of joy and surrender. It is, in so many ways, the perfect Advent prayer. Before Jesus is born, before the shepherds arrive, before the world knows what God is doing, Mary stands in the quiet of her own hidden life and proclaims:
Continue reading “Your Magnificat: An Advent Reflection with Mary”
Advent is a season of waiting, of longing, of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. In the quiet rhythm of prayer, two petitions from the Liturgy of the Hours have struck me with fresh urgency:
“Bring low the mountains of our pride,
— and fill up the valleys of our weakness.
Lord, may your kingdom come.”
“Break down the wall of hatred that divides the nations,
— and make level for mankind the paths to peace.
Lord, may your kingdom come.”
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Joseph receives a dream that changes everything. He’s confused and afraid, caught in a situation he never expected. Yet in the quiet of sleep, God speaks: “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” When Joseph wakes, he doesn’t overanalyze or second-guess. He trusts and he acts.
Continue reading “Do You Listen Like Joseph”
This season I find myself noticing nutcrackers everywhere—standing guard my mantel, peeking from shop windows, and lined up in festive displays. Their presence feels more than decorative and I’m exploring how they carry a deeper meaning rooted in tradition and faith.
Continue reading “Nutcrackers Everywhere: Symbols of Strength and Wonder”
Christmas is a season that calls us back to wonder. Recently I was listening to Josh Groban’s Believe, written for The Polar Express, and it reminds us that faith is not just for children—it is the heartbeat of hope itself. The song insists that belief opens our eyes to beauty, joy, and resilience, even when the world feels weary.
Continue reading “Believe: Rediscovering Awe in Advent”
The ancient hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel carries the longing of Israel and the longing of every human heart. It is a song of exile, of waiting, of yearning for God to break into the loneliness of our world. “Ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.”
Continue reading “Rejoice, Rejoice: Emmanuel Shall Come”
Awe is a foundational spiritual experience. It keeps us open, tender, and receptive to the mystery of God. Without awe, faith risks becoming brittle, reduced to arguments or obligations. Awe softens us, reminding us that God is not a problem to be solved but a Presence to be encountered.
Continue reading “Awe and the Mystery of God”
In this week’s Gospel, John’s question echoes through the ages: “Are you the one… or should we look for another?” And Jesus answers not with argument, but with evidence, with the music of healing, the rhythm of restoration, the signs of a Kingdom breaking in.
Continue reading “What We Hear and See”
The third week of Advent invites us to rejoice even as the candles burn against the long nights of waiting. Joy in Christ is not the shallow cheer of circumstance, but the deep flame that endures through hiddenness, dryness, and even suffering.
Continue reading “Advent Joy in the Midst of Hiddenness”
Smitten With Goodness 