The Advent/Christmas Ideas Edition
Five to buy, five for free - and beautiful tiny poems
Five free for you
The sheer delight of these Tiny Advent Poems.
A creative contemporary retelling of the Magnificat: A Christmas Spoken Word.
A profound episode of Everything Happens from Kate Bowler & Rev. Dr. Sam Wells’ on suffering and the theology of being-with.
For tomorrow’s feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a liberatory look at Marian apparitions. Echoes of a favorite essay about Mary by Kiki Petrosino: Immaculate Heart—from the Poetry Foundation, of all unexpected places.
The best Advent I never had from (in)courage.
Five worth buying as gifts
A remarkable book for any parent who’s had to advocate for their child’s health—and also a beautifully written memoir: Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth by Megan Nix.
Can’t mention the particular presents I purchased from my friends because the recipients are all subscribers here! But I love Brick House In The City for home goods, t-shirts, and stocking stuffers. Be A Heart Design is my go-to for beautiful kids’ gifts like blankets, puzzles, and holiday surprises.
I’ve enjoyed the Soul Gardening Journal since I first became a mother, and their new book Soul Garden: A Catholic Mother's Collective looks like a lovely collection of stories, essays, poems, recipes, and artwork.
Our youngest discovered these delightful board books at the library: You Are Light and One Sky by Aaron Becker. Part poetry, part stained glass window.
Give the gift of The Holy Labor! Did you know you can give a subscription to friends or family? I’d be honored to grace your Christmas list this year and grateful to welcome them here:
Finally, want a great job? Two fantastic organizations I know and love are hiring, and you might be the perfect fit. Give Us This Day is looking for a Strategic Marketing and Public Relations Manager (could be fully remote). The Collegeville Institute is hiring for a Director of Communications.
This post contains affiliate links, but I love when you buy from your local indie bookstore. Images used with permission per Engage Worship.
On Saturday paid subscribers will receive a new Advent essay (part 2 of 3) to thank them for their ongoing support that makes my writing possible. The next free essay is coming to everyone on 12/21, so stay tuned. This unexpected burst of Advent writing brought light to me, and I’m excited to share it with you.
"The purpose of the season is to humble us back into love for our Savior, not to try and save the season ourselves."
YES! This has been a common theme in my prayer over the last few Advents (and Lents, tbh).
I wonder sometimes what it's like to celebrate the liturgical year in other countries, where the (mostly American) capitalism of Catholicism is quieter.
Tiny advent poems!! I’m in love ❤️