On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. (Mark 1:10) I invite you, sister, to take a moment with me now: Read this Scripture once more. Close your eyes and try to imagine what the moment after Jesus’ baptism may have looked like. Ask the Spirit to bless your holy imagination; ask Him to show you. Saint Mark’s description is striking. He doesn’t write, “the clouds gently parted,” or “the skies opened up”—no. The heavens were torn open. This moment of Christ's baptism is powerful as God calls Him His Son! Similarly, when we receive the sacrament of Baptism, God rushes into our lives and completely transforms us by His Spirit. We truly become a new creation and are made His children. In this Christmas season (yes, it’s still Christmas!), we celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation. What a gift it is to have a God who desires to be so present to us. He desires it so much that He comes down from Heaven and breaks into our world as an infant. His very name is Emmanuel, God with us. He institutes the Eucharist, that each time we go to Mass, we might receive Him—Body broken, Blood poured out—into our own bodies. Christ dies for us, that we might have new life in Him: the gift we receive through Baptism. God is waiting to tear into our lives, sisters. He wants to bless us! Pray with me today, that the Spirit would open our hearts in this new year, that God might break in and radically transform our souls in an everlasting way. [bctt tweet="God rushes into our lives and completely transforms us by His Spirit. // @inendlesssong"] Spend some time in prayer with Jesus. Ask Him to show you what elements of your life He desires to make new. How might He be calling you to live out your Baptism more fully? Elise Howe is a devoted wife, momma, vocal artist and teacher. She currently resides in New York City, though she will always be a Midwestern gal at heart. Elise has a heart for ministry, dark chocolate (but not too dark) and coffee with a generous amount of cream + sugar. Find out more about her here.

Why do we believe what we believe? Why do we choose to believe in Christ? What makes us pursue a life within the Church? There are probably as many reasons why we believe as there are people who do believe. We are the beneficiaries of two thousand years of wisdom and Tradition found in the Church. There are so many facets of the Truth which the Church gives us that we can become attached to, that call to us, that speak to our life circumstances. But I think if we asked every convert and every cradle Catholic who choose to live the faith everyday, the reasons they would give would not be grand and impressive theological arguments, but the intimate connection they have felt in their own hearts that God exists and loves them. The still small voice that revealed God's existence and love to them, an almost indescribable encounter that left them knowing that God is real. It is that personal voice of God deep within our hearts that give us real faith, that gives us the conviction needed to live out through the ups and downs of daily life. It is just this experience that Nathaniel has today in the Gospel. Jesus only had to speak a few words to Nathaniel, saying He had seen him under that fig tree and from the very beginning of his life. Nathaniel knew in his heart instantly that this was the Lord. (John 1: 45-51) And we experience this too, when we experience the real love of Christ in our hearts. It may only take one moment for us to know within our souls the true love Christ has for us. It may seem so inexplicable that it can change our complete outlook on life, but that is just what happened to Nathaniel. Since Christ promises that we will witness miracles so much greater than His special words to our hearts, we should be filled with awe and wonder for that which He has planned for each of us. [bctt tweet="It is that personal voice of God deep within our hearts that give us real faith."] Think back to that feeling of knowing Christ's love for you. That intimate relationship with Christ should be our inspiration to keep pursuing God's will in our lives today so that we can be with Him in Heaven. Christy Isinger is a wife and mom to five lovely, loud children and lives in northern Canada. When not homeschooling, she is a devoted reader of English literature from Jane Austen to Agatha Christie. She writes about the beauty of faith, life, and the home at her blog and is the co-host of the Fountains of Carrots Podcast. You can find out more about her here.

Sometimes our callings are made obvious, just as Peter is called by Christ and given a new name and new identity in Christ in today’s Gospel. (John 1:39) Sometimes the calling is less obvious. No matter how we are called, God leaves the following up to us. Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who arrived at her calling after deep pain, starting with the loss of her mother early in childhood and ending with her husband’s death while the couple was abroad in Italy. The widowed Elizabeth first encountered deep Catholic faith while in Italy following the loss of her husband. After her return to her family in New York, she was confirmed in the Church, but soon faced the rejection of her extended family and social networks because of her newfound Catholicism. These rejections eventually led her to become a foundress of an order in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Even at Emmitsburg, her sorrows continued, as two of her daughters died and the young community of women religious faced numerous trials. Elizabeth, the first American-born saint, was raised and lived in privileged New York society before her conversion. Her status and connections would have provided for the needs of the widow and her children. The elegant and cultured young Elizabeth could even have found a good match for a second marriage. Instead, she took on her true identity in Christ and sought to fulfill her vocation. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s path was not easy. The promise we find in her story is one not of consolation but of perseverance. Neither Saints Peter nor Elizabeth were given a clear set of instructions to follow their calling. Rather, they leapt at the sound of the Lord saying their name and followed, leaving behind their former selves. God’s path is always more interesting than the path I can uncover alone. His cosmic plans are far better than my human ones. I am listening for my call. I will make the more interesting decision. I will follow the path God beckons me toward. That is the path to sanctity. [bctt tweet="I will follow the path God beckons me toward. That is the path to sanctity. // @br1gid"] Brigid Hogan is a high school English and ESL teacher who lives in northeast DC. She is passionate about Catholic social teaching and tries to live it out daily in her relationships and community. Most of her pleasures are guilty ones like television, burritos, and Twitter. You can find out more about her here.

The image of God as our Father is reinforced in today’s First Reading. See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. (1 John 3:1) I do believe that, yet something is off in me. I remember at a retreat, the leader asked us to close our eyes and picture God as a Father interacting with us. I was supposed to imagine Him walking on the beach with me or sitting on a bench talking with me in a garden. Can I be honest with you? It just felt weird. I can easily imagine myself interacting like this with Jesus or Mary. It is easy for me to imagine God as the Master Creator or a just Judge, but I still have trouble picturing Him as a “dad.” When I picture God I always see Him sitting on a throne and I can’t lift my eyes to His face. I tend to keep my head bent just gazing at his feet. I always thought of it as reverence, but lately I question if something else is holding me back—Fear? Self-doubt? Guilt of past sins? I don’t want my prayers to God to feel distant or awkward. I want to be able to imagine myself holding the hand of my Heavenly Father and pouring my heart out to Him. I want to know in my heart, and not just my head, that God loves me as a precious daughter. If I am having trouble truly seeing God as my loving Father, and I have a good relationship with my own dad, how much harder must it be for those of us with bad examples of fatherhood? Perhaps you yourself have a lot of hurt obstructing you from embracing the image of Father. Whatever the reason causing our hesitation or inability, I strongly feel God calling me. . . calling you. I feel His gentle tug, and Him saying, Look at me, my child. I love you more than you know. For some of us, that will be easy. For others, it’s difficult in various degrees. So, let's pray for one another as sisters of the Father, especially for those sisters who have deep hurt or interior struggles hindering them from fully embracing the fact that they are beloved daughters of God. I pray we can truly rejoice in the words, Beloved, we are God's children now. (1 John 3:2) [bctt tweet="I pray we can truly rejoice in the words, Beloved, we are God's children now. (1 John 3:2) // @bobbi_rol"] Bobbi Rol is a wife, mama and blogger living on the Monterey Bay in CA with her husband, teen daughter, and three rambunctious boys. When she is not dodging light sabers or stepping on Legos, she can be found outside with her family, catching a late night movie, or decorating her planner. You can find out more about her here.

Some days I struggle with humility, of allowing myself to be transparent so that those looking at me will see through to Christ. I shadow that clear layer with a dense facade of personal accolades and honor for the achievements I’ve made. I get so caught up in the grandeur of it all that my actions are often fueled by selfish desires. I suppose this is a common struggle in the world we’re living in today. In this rat-race to gain the most followers or take the best selfie, it is easy to get lost in narcissism, to allow the self-praise to cloud the path to Christ. This is why I am constantly inspired by the humility of Saint John the Baptist. Because when given the opportunity to claim personal fame, he deflects by pointing the attention to Christ. I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.' (John 1:23). I see so much of how we’re called to live in this simple statement. I see the humility required for such a task. And I wonder how much of what we do proclaims to the world, “make straight the way of the Lord.” In the midst of racking up those likes or crafting the best hashtags, are our efforts leading others to Christ, or are they fattening up the number of followers in this popularity score we’re keeping for ourselves? Let us look to Saint John the Baptist as an example of humility. And when the world seeks to capture our attention with promises of glory, may we point to the One who deserves our praise. [bctt tweet="Let us point to the One who deserves our praise. // @IamBritCal"] Make straight the way of the Lord, dear sisters. Brittany Calavitta is an enthusiastic advocate for a good book, strong coffee, and a hopeful heart. After battling years of infertility, she and her husband welcomed their first child on September 11, 2016. You can find out more about her here.

Happy New Year, Merry Eighth Day of Christmas, and Happy Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God!* There are many feasts celebrating Our Lady, but this one honors her specifically for her motherhood, as Theotokos: “Bearer of God.” The picture of Mary in today’s gospel is always both an inspiration and an indictment for me. Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) She’s JUST given birth. In a stable. And all of a sudden a bunch of strangers show up and start giving her messages from Angels about how awesome he is. I feel like I would have MANY things to say about that. But Mary is quiet and reflective. Twelve years later, after finding the child Jesus in the temple, we are again told that, His mother kept all these things in her heart. (2:51) I have had a kid wander off for a few minutes at the County Fair, and talked about it pretty much the whole drive home. In all things, I suppose, but especially in my motherhood, I’m quick to talk, and quick to assume, and to momsplain, and to condemn. I’m more likely to keep things in my mouth than in my heart. That’s not the kind of thing that gets a person a solemnity celebrating her as a mother. But a new calendar year is a new beginning, a time to make goals, a time when each of us can decide to focus less on talk and more on reflection. Also in the spirit of new beginnings, is the tradition of singing or reciting the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus on January 1st. The Church offers a plenary indulgence for it today, pursuant to the usual conditions. You’re going to want to say it later with the family or friends, but let’s go ahead and say it together right now, just in case . . . Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God's hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue. Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o'erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply. Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead; so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside. Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest. Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen. *Today is a holy day of obligation in many countries. In the US the obligation is abrogated on years, like this one, when January 1st falls on a Monday. Best resolution for the year? Listen and reflect. [bctt tweet="A new year is a new beginning. // @kendra_tierney"] Kendra Tierney is a forty year old mother of nine and wife of one living in and working on a big old fixer-upper house in Los Angeles. She's a homeschooler and a regular schooler and is counting down the days until her oldest turns sixteen and can take over some of the driving! Her new book about living the liturgical year in the home is in the editing process. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

Do you remember your resolutions from New Years past? I don't. What I do remember was how great I felt when making them, but how rarely I bothered with the follow-through. They were, for the most part, ill-conceived and poorly executed. As this year draws to a close I find myself thinking: What if I changed the tenor of those last minute resolutions? What if I took Saint Paul in today's reading to heart and found an opportunity each day to dress myself with the virtues? What if I endeavored to put on compassion and kindness with the stranger in my midst? To wear gentleness and patience with someone who is needy? What if my 2018 intention became more than a simple goal to "eat healthier" but instead a resolution to swallow my pride, selfishness, and lack of self-awareness? What if I never let my head hit the pillow each night without dropping to my knees and uttering a "thank you" to my Creator? Take a moment, Sisters, whether in the early hours of this New Year's Eve, or late at night after the merriment has ceased, to let Saint Paul's exhortation become your own heart's resolution: Let January be the month of compassion. February - the month of contrition. March - self-control. April - gentleness. May - patience. June - forbearance. July - kindness. August - forgiveness. September - love. October - obedience. November - humility. And December - gratitude. Write these virtues in big, bold letters on your Blessed is She planner or your Google calendar or wherever you will see them. And every day, pray the simple prayer: "Father, help me to find one way today to practice ______." Here's to making a resolution for 2018 that matters not only for the now, but for all eternity. Happy New Year! [bctt tweet="Let's make a resolution for all eternity."] Karen Schultz hails from the Land of 10,000 lakes, where she is often found in or near one of them. As a doula, lactation educator, and FertilityCare Practitioner, she finds joy in helping women to embrace the gift of their bodies. Downtime is found in quiet adoration chapels, farmers markets and gardens, listening to bluegrass music, and embracing the diversity of Minnesota’s seasons. You can find out more about her here.

In two days, the world will collectively vow to be better. Gyms will be packed, screen time limits set, bad habits quit, lists of goals written and hung with care. As the New Year dawns, the resolutions will be as resolute as they’ll be all year. But the world won’t change all that noticeably, and the lofty ambitions will soon take a back seat. Why? Because in the quest for self-reform, we often forget who we truly are and what sustains us long-term. We fall hard for culturally acceptable resolutions that target our body and mind but leave our soul hanging. And yet, prioritizing our soul’s growth is actually the key to success in all healthy ambitions of mind and body. So how do we get there? In today’s First Reading, Saint John addresses three different groups: children, young men, and fathers. Some scholars believe these actually refer to different levels of spiritual maturity. As “children,” we respond to the gifts of forgiveness and mercy. Once confident in the safety of His forgiveness, we’re propelled into spiritual “young adulthood,” where we grow to know the Lord and better accept His unfathomable love. As spiritual “parents,” having grown through both mercy and confidence in God’s love, we learn to effectively fight and overcome the Evil One. (1 John 2:12-17) This is an excellent prescription for spiritual growth. Seek first the Father’s forgiveness and stand confidently in it, so as to know Him better and become strong enough to defeat the Evil One. What strikes me most is that Saint John does not once mention a timeline, dollar amount, or guilt trip. He gives us a guide, a resolution for growth based in relationship. And indeed, that’s our ultimate goal: eternal relationship with God in heaven. Our other resolutions—and the motives behind them—should simply be a vehicle to help get us there. This year, instead of tacking mind or body at the top of the list, what if we resolved to first focus on our souls? What if it was less about checking the box and more about relationship? What if, instead of chastising ourselves for what we’ve failed to accomplish, we spent more time each day soaking in God’s love for us? That, my friends, would make the world a better place. [bctt tweet="What if it was less about checking the box, and more about soaking in God’s love for us?"] Resolve to start out the New Year right with a trip to confession, so you can freely bask in the gift of God’s Mercy, grow in acceptance of His Love, and learn to conquer the Evil One’s advances. Megan Hjelmstad is a wife and mom 24/7 and an Army Reservist in her “spare” time. She’s a bibliophile, tea drinker, sleep lover, and avid admirer of Colorado’s great outdoors. When the writing bug hits, you can find out more about her here.

Do you ever feel impatient waiting on something to happen in your life? I do. It’s often a true struggle to not complain and moan about the waiting, and even not to give up, yet God asks me to be patient. Trusting in His time, and believing the promise that whatever it is I’m awaiting will be revealed or fulfilled? That’s hard spiritual work. I'm still working on this kind of patience and trust. Simeon possessed that kind of patience and trust. What a man of faith! He kept showing up, every day, believing in the Lord’s promise. (Luke 2:25) What convinced him, I wonder, to trust in the incredible promise, and what helped him to faithfully wait on the Lord’s timing to meet the Messiah? We know from the Gospel that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon (Luke 2:25), and this one verse reveals so much to us about the Holy Spirit. Consider how the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church §§ 1831-45) were at work in Simeon’s life, how fortitude and piety made him ready to have faith, and how patience and faithfulness allowed him to never give up. Think about the joy, peace, and kindness he showed when he finally met the Christ Child. I want to be like Simeon. I want to trust the Lord, in all the promises He makes to me. I want to bless the Lord, giving Him glory, when I see His work done in my life. I long for the Holy Spirit to be upon me, as well. This is possible for all of us, sisters! In Confirmation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, united more firmly to Christ, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit increase in us! (CCC § 1303). Is it too much to ask for another gift during this Christmas Octave? Lord, please hear my prayer as my spiritual wish-list grows. Increase my faith, my hope, and my patience in Your promises. Rekindle the fire in my soul. Let me be like Simeon, praising you and waiting faithfully for Your promises to be fulfilled in my life. [bctt tweet="Rekindle the fire in my soul."] Let's pray for that increase in faith, hope, and patience today. Gina Fensterer is a Colorado native at heart, but the West Coast beach life suits her just fine. She currently lives in small coastal area of California with her husband and six children. She loves the Jesus prayer, coffee at any time of day, homemade salsa, photography, and sleepy toddler snuggles. You can find out more about her here.

Have you ever wondered about God talking to people in their dreams? In today’s Gospel we hear about Joseph being warned about King Herod. In the Old Testament we had Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and then of course in the New Testament Zacharias, Joseph, and Pilot’s wife (just to name a few). If God was so keen on talking to our biblical fathers through dreams, why doesn’t God speak to us like that anymore? I wish I could wake up and have an answer to my life’s biggest frustrations. Yet as I pray about this, I hear God whispering into my heart I do speak to you. He does send us answers. He does pull and nudge and direct. He doesn’t hide His will from us. God isn’t a trickster who finds delight in watching us walk around blinded and confused. God loves us and wants us to know Him. He desires a relationship with us—when we develop a relationship with Him through prayer, we have a chance to listen and hear His direction. I know for my part, I often just don’t listen. I don’t look. I wake up to my phone, read my devotion and then scroll. I hurry from task to task and busy myself, spending every ounce of free time with screen in my face, or a phone to my ear, or little voices talking at me. As long as I allow myself to be consumed with this world, I will be deaf to the guidance coming from above. I must simply sit and cultivate the quiet. [bctt tweet="As long as I allow myself to be consumed with this world, I will be deaf to the guidance coming from above."] Today, I invite you to cultivate the quiet. Invite the Lord into your heart and mind. Stop the chatter and just listen. MaryRuth Hackett is Director of Operations for Blessed is She. She loves historical fiction, dark chocolate, watching her children play soccer, a good cup of coffee (decaf please) and the quiet of the early morning. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and has a passion for helping parents understand the way their children grow and develop. You can find out more about her here.

One of the most difficult experiences in life has been coming to love myself just the way I am. I will admit, the majority of my life I faked it on the outside. And let me tell you, I was darn good at it. Lies I believed from the time I was a little girl and negative self-talk were destructive in more ways than one. I didn't like being Patty. I always wanted to be like some other girl. But now at 32, I am more at peace with myself than I ever have been in my life. I have settled in my body and spirit. Learning to love myself just as I am has helped me allow Jesus to love me the way I am. On Resurrection Sunday, Mary Magdalene ran to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved (John 20:2) about the empty tomb. That "other disciple" referenced is Saint John. He is known as the Beloved, the closest friend of Jesus. Saint John was the one who laid his head on the chest of Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23). Saint John was one of the few friends who stood by the Cross on Good Friday. Whether we believe it or not, each of us is the disciple whom Jesus loved. The names we call ourselves or the lies we believe about ourselves are not at all how Jesus looks at you, my sister. Jesus looks at you and calls you by the only name He has for you, Beloved. You are the daughter whom God loves. That is the only way He will ever see you. Sometimes we forget. The pain or trauma we have endured makes us deaf to hearing this truth in the deepest places of our heart. But I promise that is as real for you as it is for me. And when you discover this reality, it will change your life. [bctt tweet="Whether we believe it or not, each of us is the disciple whom Jesus loved. // @amoderngrace"] For the next week, set alarms on your phone to go off at different times. And when it does, pray this in expectant faith: "Jesus help me to see and love myself the way that You do." Patty Breen is a runner, youth minister ordinaire, and thinks old movies are the greatest thing since sliced bread. When not fundraising for World Youth Day, she is learning to find grace in all things. You can find out more about her here.

For the past few days people have been singing joyful songs around the world to celebrate Christmas. We have feasted and celebrated the nativity of the Christ Child in many different ways, with joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ's birth. But today all of our celebrating takes an interesting turn when we hear from Jesus himself, the very same Jesus born in a manger in Bethlehem, who says: “You will be hated by all because of my name.” (Matthew 10:22) What a stark contrast between all the feasting and celebrating and hearing these words! Someone who lived in the contrast between the celebration of Christmas and the persecution that comes with total commitment to Christ was Saint Stephen, the first martyr, whose feast we celebrate today. Saint Stephen lived as a holy, joyful, spirit-filled witness to the love and life of Jesus Christ. He was eventually stoned to death for his faith not long after the death of Jesus. The life and death of Saint Stephen remind us that indeed, the world will hate those who follow and proclaim the good news of Christ. Those who choose to follow the baby born to a virgin in Bethlehem will be challenged in monumental ways. We may be persecuted, ostracized, ridiculed, and some of us even killed for the sake of this tiny child. But today we remember, most especially, that the baby born in a stable was sent to save Saint Stephen—that this baby was sent to save you and me—and that there is nothing to fear in being hated for living a life in pursuit of the love of Jesus Christ. We remember Christ's words, that "whoever endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22)—which makes both Christmas and the fact that we will be hated because of the name of Christ cause for great celebration. [bctt tweet="Live a life in pursuit of the love of Jesus Christ. // @emwilss"] Emily Wilson-Hussem planned her whole life to become a sports reporter but turned out to be a Catholic musician and speaker at the hand of God. She lives out of her suitcase and travels across the world speaking to people of all ages. The heart of her ministry is offering encouragement to teen girls in search of their true identity, and she loves every second of it. She is the author of I Choose the Sky. You can find out more about her here.

Growing up in a Jewish home, surrounded by Jewish friends and neighbors, I never really understood the meaning of Christmas beyond its commercial expressions. This seemingly extravagant birthday party meant nothing to me, because I did not know the person whose birth was celebrated. Later in college, after an intense period of seeking after truth, I personally encountered Jesus the Messiah, and my once superficial understanding of Christmas took on life-altering significance. I love that the prologue of the Gospel according to Saint John is the reading for this Christmas Day because it points us to the true meaning of Christmas. John the Beloved was captured by the Life; he saw the essence of what Jesus’ coming meant. The miraculous event in Bethlehem initiated a rescue mission, the final chapter in human history. The eternal, divine Life that was with the Father, broke into time and space, into the darkness, to give us something we did not have and could never obtain on our own. The heart of Christianity is the giving and receiving of new, stronger-than-death, divine life. Saint Irenaeus of Lyons states simply the profound truth of the Incarnation: “He became what we are so that we might become what he is.” (source) At Christmas, we celebrate not only the reality that God became a tiny, helpless child, but that in uniting His divine life to human flesh, He gave us the power to become His children, not through pedigree, or striving, but through faith in His Son. What an immeasurable, transformative gift we have received from the Heart of Love! It’s worthy of a joyful celebration that endures beyond one day or a season, and it’s a gift that must be shared. In Jesus, God made His dwelling in human flesh, so that we might become living tabernacles of His Divine Life. Christianity isn’t a higher moral code or a philosophy, it is living the very life of God as His beloved children and reflecting His Light in the darkness of an unbelieving world. So, when others ask, “What did you get for Christmas?” let’s use it as an opportunity to offer them the most precious Gift of all—divine life in the Son of God. [bctt tweet="In Jesus, God made His dwelling in human flesh, so that we might become living tabernacles of His Divine Life."] Debra Herbeck, a Jewish convert to the Church, has worked extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She has directed Pine Hills Girls Camp for the past 32 years, is the founder and Director of the Be Love Revolution, and also helps lead a ministry called i.d.916. She has written a number of books that can be found here. Debra and her husband Peter live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and are the parents of four children and five adorable grandchildren.

Today, December 24, is traditionally the feast day of Adam and Eve, our first parents. Their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God led to our need for a Savior, and the coming of our Savior required the obedience and faith of those who came before Him. The First Reading tells us about the ancestor of the Savior, King David. (2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16) He sees all the good things that God has done for him, and asks to build a temple. But God does not want a temple. God wants David to be happy with what he has been given and have faith in God’s promises. David, if you read further in Scripture, does not try to do more than God wants, but simply praises God and believes in God’s promises. The Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) tells us about our Blessed Mother. She believes the Angel who comes to her with the incredible message that she is going to be the mother of the Savior. She accepts with faith that God will take care of her and then she humbly obeys His will. The actions of Our Lady and King David reflect their faith. They do not say they believe and then try to take control. They simply say yes to God’s plan for them, and God blesses them for it. God, from the beginning, wanted to give us happiness as a gift. When Adam and Eve tried to achieve happiness on their own, they lost everything. But God kept His word and sent us a Savior who was perfectly obedient to save us from our own weak wills. In the end, this Savior even saved Adam and Eve. And He wants to save us. If we can just give submit our own wills to God’s will for us, then He will bless us beyond what we have ever hoped for. [bctt tweet="In the end, this Savior even saved Adam and Eve. And He wants to save us."] Take some time to pray this Christmas Eve and ask God to help you to conform yourself more fully to His will. Unite your heart to Mary’s Fiat: “May it be done unto me according to your word.” Susanna Spencer is the Theological Editor for Blessed is She and studied theology and philosophy in her earlier life. She happily cares for her three adorable little girls, toddler boy, and her dear husband in Saint Paul when not writing and editing. She loves beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious meals, baking amazing sweets, reading good books, raising her children, casually following baseball, and talking to her philosopher husband. You can find out more about her here.

In the gospel reading on Wednesday of this week, and again tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, we hear the story of the Annunciation to Mary: How the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, and she is “troubled,” (Luke 1:29) how Gabriel reassures Mary, telling her “do not be afraid,” (1:30) that she will have a child, that her child will be great, and giving her the name she will give to the child. Mary responds with a question. Today, we hear the end of the story of the Annunciation to Zechariah. On the surface, it’s pretty much exactly the same story as ^, step by step. But in Mary’s case the exchange ends with her saying, “Let’s do this,” (my translation) and the Angel leaving. And in Zechariah’s case it ends with Gabriel saying, “Do you KNOW who I am?” (paraphrasing here) and making Zechariah mute for nine months. What gives? It comes down to the subtle difference in the questions that Mary and Zechariah ask, and the feelings in their hearts that prompt those questions. Mary asks, “"How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" (1:34) Zechariah asks, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” (1:18) Mary’s question presupposes the truth of what the Angel says to her. She believes. She consents. She’s just curious to know how it’s going to go down. Zechariah, on the other hand, basically asks, “Why should I believe YOU?” But both stories have a happy ending. Zechariah’s moment of doubt, and general grumpy old man-ness aside, he is obedient to God. He names his child John, as he was instructed by the Angel. “Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.” (1:64) Sometimes, in my own life, I’ve been like Mary, ready and willing to follow God’s will—if always curious about the details. Other times, I’ve been like Zechariah, scoffing, dragging my feet, and needing to go through the trial to come out the other side a little more humble, a little more grateful, a little more free. In a final similarity, both Annunciation stories end with the subjects proclaiming a canticle to God. Tonight is the eighth night of our family’s traditional Christmas Novena, which will end tomorrow on Christmas Eve. Each night, as a part of our prayers, we recite the words of the Canticle of Mary, traditionally called the Magnificat. The Canticle of Zechariah is also a beautiful and poignant prayer, perfect for these last days of Advent, these last days of waiting. Join us in praying them to ask for a willingness to follow God's will in your life. [bctt tweet="Ask for a willingness to follow God's will in your life. // @kendra_tierney"] Do you have a special prayer you've been praying as a family before Advent wraps up? These Canticles are beautiful and worth adding to your list. Kendra Tierney is a forty year old mother of nine and wife of one living in and working on a big old fixer-upper house in Los Angeles. She's a homeschooler and a regular schooler and is counting down the days until her oldest turns sixteen and can take over some of the driving! Her new book about living the liturgical year in the home is in the editing process. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

When I was a child, I loved the miniseries, Anne of Green Gables. Anne had a best friend, Diana, whom she called her “bosom friend” and “kindred spirit.” Ever since hearing this term of endearment, I longed to have such a friend; someone to share stories with, who speaks the truth when the truth hurts and invites me to go beyond the surface to reveal the person God created me to be. Sometimes, God awakens our souls so profoundly we can barely contain the joy, but finding a kindred spirit who can comprehend the depth of where God is leading us can be difficult. I remember returning home from the Theology of the Body Institute overwhelmed by the knowledge in my head and the impact on my heart. A few weeks later, I took a road trip with my dearest friend, and I was able to explode my minor Magnificat on her in the same manner Mary did with Elizabeth. That road trip solidified a friendship so rooted in Christ; it is unshakable. I like to think of Mary and Elizabeth as two of the sweetest kindred spirits in Scripture. When Elizabeth received Mary with the greeting, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43), Mary knew she was safely in the arms of someone she could trust and able to share what her soul was bursting to proclaim. “And Mary said,” could be three words in the Gospel according to Saint Luke we merely overlook, but we would be unwise to do so. Think about it, who could Mary speak her joy with without being persecuted? If she proclaimed this praise in her synagogue or neighborhood, her life would be threatened. Our Mother Mary received the most significant message of salvation, and she couldn’t proclaim it. Elizabeth understood, and this understanding permitted Mary to, “proclaim the greatness of the Lord.” (Luke 1:46) I can only imagine the conversations they had for the three months that followed; that had to be some intimate girl time, especially since Zechariah was speechless and couldn’t chime in. So much of Mary’s life was silent and observant. I often wonder if the Magnificat was Mary’s verbal praise, what was her quiet, interior conversation like with the Lord? We are individually blessed with genuinely significant female friendships to share our hearts with, but how much are we exulting our hearts to the Lord, our Savior? [bctt tweet="If the Magnificat was Mary’s verbal praise, what was her interior conversation like w/ the Lord? // @LT_TriciaT"] If you are yearning for opportunities to find a dear friend who shares your faith, consider participating in a Blessed Brunch or Blessed Conversations group. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask a new girlfriend out for coffee. God works in wonderful ways in our friendships when we invite Him in! Tricia Tembreull is a California girl with a Texas-sized heart for hospitality. She serves as a Parish Coach for Life Teen, International, and joyfully travels around the globe training, empowering, and praying with youth ministers. When not on a plane, she is either in church, spending time with family or friends, in the kitchen cooking up something delightful, or on the beach for an evening walk. You can find out more about her here.

Once in a while a family member or friend will inform me my voicemail is full. I usually chuckle (I admit to a sentimental streak!) before beginning the difficult task of deleting some of my treasures. I have voice messages from my mom that I’ve kept for a long time. It is nice to have the “sound” of her smile and love in my pocket. Her voice reminds me of the blessing she is in my life. Actually, every time I look at her name along with the date of the saved message, I contemplate this blessing. These sentiments are a tiny indication of how Our Lord hopes we’ll feel when we think of Him and His great gifts. In today’s readings, the Church gives us a chance to pause and contemplate the wondrous mystery of the Incarnation: [T]he virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) This mystery is so intensely beautiful that we bow and sometimes genuflect when we pray, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary or and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God took on human flesh and entered a human family. Nothing will ever be the same. Everything has been made new. The saints testify to the all-consuming love of God; and it’s in the Liturgy that they join us, to become the whole Church of God. Our liturgy is filled with things we can see, smell, hear, touch, taste, and experience spiritually. It involves all of our senses. All of them. Our Blessed Mother shows us what a healthy spiritual life looks like. Our Lady is so open to God’s all-consuming love, and she welcomes the Lord’s will so completely, that God becomes flesh in her. God allows Himself to be nurtured in her womb, in her arms, and in her home. God comes to dwell within her—and among us. This is why the Church encourages us to go to Our Mother. Just as God Himself chose to be nurtured by her love, so we can grow in our love for Our Lady. If you are like me, you may have to pray for the grace to trust and love her more; but we can be sure she will never refuse us. She is “full of grace,” and will come quickly when we call. [bctt tweet="God took on human flesh and entered a human family. Nothing will ever be the same. // @SrMariaKim"] Pray 10 Hail Marys today and pray them thoughtfully. We will pray them together! Sister Maria Kim Bui is a Daughter of Saint Paul, women religious dedicated to evangelization in and through the media. She is originally from Tempe, AZ, spent most of her fourteen years in religious life in the northeast, and is part of a bilingual evangelization team of sisters serving in Texas. Find out more about her here.