The Gifts of Advent Day 11: Nothing Lasts Forever
Diane M. Houdek
December 8, 2021
Clearing your house of clutter might seem like the perfect project for Lent, it can be a fruitful Advent pursuit as well.
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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.
Creator of the Stars of Night
Diane M. Houdek
December 7, 2021
One of my favorite Advent hymns gives this reflection its title. There’s something wonderful about including the cosmos in our Christmas celebrations.
The Gifts of Advent Day 10: The Beauty of Simplicity
Diane M. Houdek
December 7, 2021
Beauty rescues us from a drab utilitarian existence. Simplicity doesn’t need to be stark and completely minimalist.
A Time for Children
Diane M. Houdek
December 6, 2021
Often we hear the phrase “Christmas is for children” and while it may seem like a cliché, it really is true.
The Gifts of Advent Day 9: The Work of Our Hands
Diane M. Houdek
December 6, 2021
As you take time to breathe deeply in prayer, look with appreciation at your hands and reflect on the many things they do—working, playing, loving, creating.
A Joyful Peace
Diane M. Houdek
December 5, 2021
Have you ever been surrounded by a whirlwind of activity, perhaps in the midst of family and friends, and felt a sudden whoosh of deep contentment?
The Gifts of Advent Day 8: Simplify
Diane M. Houdek
December 5, 2021
We fill our lives and our calendars with more than we can do in 24 hours and we do that for days on end. Reluctant to cross anything off, we simply push tasks to the next day and the next.