Tag Archives: Advent

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There’s No Such Thing as “Impossible” for God

By Christina Mead | January 2, 2013

We have a God who deals in the impossible. This is huge, life-changing, and has everything to do with Christmas. I think we’re so used to the story of “Christmas” that we can easily forget to spend time just letting ourselves be amazed by the story.

On Bended Knee: Why Jesus’ Name is Important

By Christina Mead | December 25, 2012

I love it when people use my name. “Nice to meet you Christina.” “Thanks Christina.” “Christina, where are my shoes? Give them back.”

There’s something so affirming and personal about it. My name represents me – who I am. When someone says my name, I know I’m not just another face passing by. I matter.

Beyond Words: 12/23/2012

By Mark Hart | December 21, 2012

Why Wait?

By Dom Quaglia | December 18, 2012

You see, many of us have gotten into a routine of stuffing ourselves during Advent. It’s the holidays! We like to take it all in. The lights, the music, the food – we want as much as we can get!

But Advent isn’t about stuffing ourselves. The Nativity scene isn’t full of people gathered around Jesus because they are full. They are there because they’re hungry.

Do you have room?

By Brian Kissinger | December 13, 2012

In case you haven’t seen a calendar, looked at people’s front yards, or watched enough of those ridiculous cars-with-huge-ribbons-on-them commercials (because most people we know regularly get a Lexus for Christmas) . . . Christmas is coming soon.

The Church celebrates Advent – a time of preparation – for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I never really used to get into Advent; it seemed like an unnecessary reminder when we already have radio stations playing Christmas music, Christmas episodes of our favorite TV shows, and those red Starbucks cups to let us know that Jesus’ birth is just around the corner.

Do You Believe in Santa?: The Real Story of St. Nicholas

By Mark Hart | December 6, 2012

Nicholas was known for his generosity. As tradition goes, he was so selfless that (although he, too, was poor) he helped his likewise poor neighbor support and pay for his daughters’ weddings. Nicholas snuck up to his neighbor’s house at night and dropped a handful of gold coins through the open window so that the eldest daughter could afford to get married. He would later repeat the generous act two more times. From there, the Santa legend grew into what we now know today – stockings, chimneys, a belly like jelly and all that good stuff.

Barbies and the Baby Jesus: A History of the Nativity Set

By Mark Hart | December 26, 2011

We have four Nativity sets in my house: not out of overindulgence but out of sheer necessity. One set is for my five year old, who likes to take a more “interactive” approach to the Nativity, including putting Disney princesses and Barbies into the Biblical narrative. Last year when I asked why the baby Jesus was in Barbie’s convertible, she responded, “Barbie is baby-sitting, Daddy… the trip to Bethlehem left Mary and Joseph very tired.”

You may have a Nativity set beneath your Christmas tree or on a table inside your house. You almost certainly have one on display somewhere around your local Church…

Saint Quotes: Blessed JPII on Advent

By Life Teen | December 24, 2011

“The liturgy of Advent . . . helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea.

Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, ‘one day will come to judge the living and the dead,’ we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life.

Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”

Waiting for Joy: Christmas With a Heavy Heart

By Amanda Fazzio | December 22, 2011

The bus exploded. The rim of the left, rear tire flew off while we were speeding down the highway. First I heard the pop. And then I smelled smoke. The bus driver pulled over. He didn’t know it was on fire, but he had felt something. We evacuated quickly, and everyone got off safely. We tried to put out the flames, but they grew too rapidly. A loud explosion ripped through the air, and sent most of us running farther down the highway. We watched at a distance as the flames consumed the Read more [...]

Jesus Wasn’t Born on Christmas?

By Mark Hart | December 19, 2011

I’ll never forget when I learned Jesus wasn’t really born on December 25th. It shocked me. I felt cheated – like somehow my adolescent life had just lost some of its innocence. Thank God, I thought, Santa was still real – that would have really shattered my holiday season.

Beyond Words: 12/18/2011

By Mark Hart | December 16, 2011

http://youtu.be/1Q64Gk4zUD0

Fun Activities for Your Christmas Break

By Eric Porteous | December 14, 2011

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (Or so I’ve heard about 1000 times a day on my radio.) But seriously, who doesn’t love this time of year? Advent calendars are up, Christmas decorations are all over and the first semester of school is winding down. While that means finals are coming up, it also means that Christmas Break is right around the corner. Whether you’re going on vacation or staying home this Christmas, grab a delicious cup of eggnog and read on as I break down my top 5 favorite Christmas break activities.

Beyond Words: 12/11/2011

By Mark Hart | December 10, 2011

http://youtu.be/zJXvBn2yPrQ

That Awkward Moment When You Say “And also with you”

By Christina Mead | December 8, 2011

Have you had that awkward moment yet? I have. Actually, a couple times. Everyone around me remembered to grab their instructional pew cards. But no, I haven’t mastered that necessary skill I need to remember not to say “And also with you.” So there I stand, awkwardly sputtering the words my mind automatically supplies.

Creative Gift Ideas for Christmas

By Michael Specht | December 7, 2011

One of the biggest stresses of the Christmas season is gift giving. It can be difficult to find the right gift for a person. Or the stores you shop in are incredibly busy or your wallet isn’t keeping up with your heart (especially for students and others on tight budgets). Gift-giving should be joyful though!

To help you out we have a list of a few meaningful, inexpensive and homemade presents you can give to your friends and family. You can easily put your own spin on each of these ideas. Some of them might take longer to make than others but it’s still a great way to show someone how much you appreciate the gift of their life!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: 12/11/11 (3rd Sunday in Advent – Gaudete Sunday)

By Mark Hart | December 5, 2011

A candle looses nothing by sharing it’s light with another. Are you sharing Christ’s love in the world?

Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Advent (Gaudete Sunday): Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Life Teen’s Advent Calendar (Sort Of)

By Christina Mead | December 4, 2011

You know those Advent Calendars your mom would buy when you were little? You would open the little paper door everyday and find a stale chocolate or prayer? (Perhaps for some a Lego.) Well here’s our cooler, fun-er, more Catholic-y version! Everyday you can come back to see a new video with Kemi Ndolo, bassist for Matt Maher, and Derek Natzke, Life Teen’s video producer! There will be present suggestions, Christmas song singing, silly Christmas facts, suggestions to make your Advent holier, Read more [...]

Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Advent: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

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