First radio spot of the year: don't leave Christmas fully behind

A few years ago I wrote an article, Radiating the Joy of Christmas Year-Round. I wrote it because it seemed a shame we get into all the feel-good, do-good, prayerful introspective time of Christmas, and then, bam, move on with life.

That’s why last week I joined the Morning Air Show to discuss this topic, and how each of us can bring volunteering, prayer, traditions, and more into our lives year-round. You can listen here.

Are your decorations down yet? Mine aren’t - whoops! But here in the DC area we are enjoying a cozy day of wintery weather, so it doesn’t seem so bad to enjoy the lights for just a little while longer.

I’ll next be on Morning Air next Tuesday, January 23, at the usual time of approximately 7:20 am eastern. Topic to be announced!

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Dear readers, Merry Christmas, happy new year, and a belated happy Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God! I hope your holiday celebrations were merry and peaceful.

And, in case you missed it, last month I once again joined John Morales on the Morning Air Show, this time to talk about hospitality as a gift. Listen here. I reflected on this topic in the midst of holiday party-having, and how the act of bringing together (and feeding!) people is its own gift. So if you’re feeling a little fatigued from hosting friends or family over the past few weeks, just remember, it was truly a gift you gave them, one with metaphysical and spiritual benefits for you.

I will next be on Morning Air next Tuesday, January 9 at 7:10 am eastern (give or take; the time is somewhat subject to change) and I will actually be talking about Christmas still - and why Christmas’s spiritual lessons are ones you take into the entire year. Think charity, almsgiving, and especially joy. Find your station here, or listen live online here.

The importance of observing Advent (and not just Christmas)

Happy almost-Advent! In honor of the coming season, I joined Morning Air this week to talk about the difference between Advent and Christmas, how to not get caught up in materialism (but also don’t be too hard on yourself if you are), and heard from a caller with a reflection on the first nativity scene, which was created by St. Francis. You can listen here, starting around minute 32.

Is your tree up yet? Ours are going up this weekend (two big ones, one little one in different parts of the house. Yippee!). One of the things we talked about in the interview is that this time of year is, indeed, meant to be fun and joyful, even if defined by hopeful waiting. So, if you need permission to begin decorating: consider it given.

Wishing you a blessed Advent!