“And [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7)
Category Archives: Living on Grace
Honoring Saint Nicholas: New Meaning for Giving
Traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and “the real Santa Claus,” whose feast day is December 6, recall his legendary love for God, children, and the poor. Here are some ways to honor the memory of this ancient gift-giver, offsetting the commercialization of Christmas and re-centering the season’s true spirit on Jesus.
Waiting in Hope
“I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him.” – C.S. Lewis
Advent Expectation, Hope and Healing
by Kathleen Beckman
In the season of Advent each of us may ask ourselves: what do I expect?
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: Love Unending, Favors without Limit
Interior of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris (Wikicommons)
November 27th each year commemorates the manifestation of Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal. This sacramental, known and beloved worldwide, arose from the humblest of origins, in keeping with those of the Virgin whose image it bears.
With Grateful Hearts: The Prayer of Thanksgiving
One of the most important spiritual maxims we’ll ever learn is that nothing happens in this world without the order of God, and that He turns all things to good if we submit to His will. Although we usually apply this to rough times, Thanksgiving reminds us that there’s an important “flip-side” to this adage – all the good times that He has willed for us in the past year.
This Thanksgiving, I’ll Bring the Thanks
“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Who is bringing a thankful heart to their Thanksgiving table? This holiday season consider bringing an attitude of gratitude to your feast, along with the pumpkin pie, the sweet potatoes and turkey. I promise you every one at the table will beg for a second helping.
Holy Eucharist: True Food for Thanksgiving
Food always has been one of our basic necessities, but during these days approaching Thanksgiving, food takes on an even greater, more meaningful significance than usual. Shopping for and readying all the elements of the traditional holiday menu become matters of prime importance as we prepare to celebrate with family and friends. Read the rest…
Let Go of Grudges This Holiday Season
We’ve all done it from time to time – had a spat with someone and refused to let go – but when these “spats” go on for years, and are based in much more than a simple misunderstanding, how do we let go and bring our families back together again?
