The Gifts of Advent Day 16: The Gift of Patience
Diane M. Houdek
December 13, 2021
The refrain of Advent is “The Lord is near.” Sometimes it’s hard to believe this.
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Diane M. Houdek
Diane M. Houdek is the former director of content at Franciscan Media. She is the author of Lent with St. Francis, Advent with St. Francis, and Simple Gifts: Daily Reflections for Advent.
Emmanuel—God with Us
Diane M. Houdek
December 12, 2021
The Advent name for God is Emmanuel. We sing it over and over in the familiar hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” The name means “God is with us” and comes to us from the prophet Isaiah.
The Gifts of Advent Day 15: The Hardest Thing to Let Go
Diane M. Houdek
December 12, 2021
Advent offers us the opportunity each year to come to a place of peace and reconciliation with our past.
In Giving We Receive
Diane M. Houdek
December 11, 2021
Learning to be generous with those who are less fortunate is a lesson that can be taught from our earliest years. As we learn to share within our families and with friends, we can also learn to share with those around us.
The Gifts of Advent Day 14: Everything We Want
Diane M. Houdek
December 11, 2021
Advent is a good time to reflect on the many gifts we already have, and even on the many material things that make our lives more pleasant and less difficult.
Look to the Margins
Diane M. Houdek
December 10, 2021
Looking to the margins is often where we’ll be surprised by a glimpse of God. We become too familiar with the main players in the Gospels.
The Gifts of Advent Day 13: Love Is Greater than Things
Diane M. Houdek
December 10, 2021
Accidents happen during this busy season. Remember that the child or pet who was at fault is ultimately more important than the thing that got broke.