When I was growing up, I had no idea who St. Nicholas was. I was raised in a Christian home, and we even attended a liturgical church, but the name St. Nicholas? It was never mentioned. Now, Santa Claus? The man in the red suit with the white beard? I knew all about him. He was the one who watched you while you were sleeping (which, honestly, felt more creepy than magical), who delivered presents on Christmas Eve, and who flew in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. You had to leave cookies out for him, and he somehow knew if you had been “naughty or nice.” But none of it ever made much sense to me. I’d run into “Santa” at the gas station, driving a beat-up old Chevy, not a sleigh, and certainly no reindeer in sight. He reminded me of the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy, strange characters that appeared in cheap costumes outside Walmart or inside the mall. And every year, for some reason I still don’t quite understand, you were supposed to dress up, sit in his lap, and have your picture taken. So when I became a mom, I wanted no part of the Santa Claus tradition. My husband and I planned to simply tell our kids he wasn’t real and move on. But then I discovered something I hadn’t known: that behind the red suit and the flying sleigh, there was a real person. A real saint. A real story worth telling— St. Nicholas . The Real Saint Nick St. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family in what is now modern-day Turkey. From a young age, he was deeply committed to following Jesus. After the death of his parents, he inherited a significant fortune, but instead of keeping it, he gave it away to serve those in need. He was known for his generosity, his faith, and his deep love for the Gospel. Nicholas was eventually made Bishop of Myra in the 4th century and became an important leader in the Church. In fact, he was present at the Council of Nicaea, the very gathering that gave us the Nicene Creed we still recite each Sunday in worship. Nicholas was especially concerned with the poor and with children, and over time, many stories were told of his compassion and kindness. Stockings and Secret Giving The most well-known story associated with St. Nicholas is the one that inspired the tradition of stockings. According to the legend, there was a poor man who had three daughters. With no money to provide a dowry, he feared they would never be able to marry and was deeply distressed about what would happen to them after his death. St. Nicholas heard of the family’s need and longed to help. But he also knew the father was proud and would never accept a public act of charity. So Nicholas decided to give in secret. Late at night, he crept into the house and quietly placed a bag of gold coins for each daughter, one in each stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry. When the family awoke the next morning, they found the gold, and the daughters were able to marry. That act of quiet generosity, given without recognition or applause, became the foundation of a tradition that still lives on: children placing out stockings or shoes on December 6 , eagerly awaiting a small gift in memory of St. Nicholas , the man who gave everything to follow Christ. How We Celebrate St. Nicholas Day Around the world, Christians still honor St. Nicholas and celebrate his feast day on December 6 . He’s often shown dressed in a bishop’s robes, wearing a cope and miter , and holding a crozier . When people dress up as St. Nicholas, they dress like a bishop, not like a North Pole cartoon character. When cookies are made in his honor, they’re shaped like bishops, complete with staff and miters, not round with red frosting hats. Our family chose to celebrate his day in a way that felt faithful and rooted in history. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day , we baked Speculatius , a crisp, spiced cookie from western Germany that’s full of cinnamon and buttery goodness. We’d enjoy the cookies together before bedtime and read a simple, sweet board book that told the real story of St. Nicholas. Then, after the children were tucked in bed, my husband and I would fill their stockings with little bags of chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, a bright orange, and a few fun pieces of chocolate. In the morning, our children would race to their stockings with excitement, delighted by the little treasures, even if they never ate the orange. Before heading off to school, we would read the story of St. Nicholas again and pray together, thanking God for a man who gave up wealth, comfort, and prestige to follow Jesus with his whole heart. A man who cared deeply for the poor and who gave to others without expecting anything in return. Note - many people celebrate the day by filling their children’s shoes with goodies rather than stockings. The children place a pair of their shoes out before they go to bed, and the parents fill their little shoes with treats. Either way is so fun! Why It Matters Looking back now, I am so thankful we discovered the story of St. Nicholas, and even more thankful that we chose to celebrate his feast day as a family. St. Nicholas helps us teach our children what generosity really looks like. He reminds us that our faith isn’t about being seen or applauded, but about quiet faithfulness and kindness. He reminds us that the true saints of the Church never seek to be the center of the story; they always point us back to Jesus. And I believe that’s exactly what St. Nicholas would want today. Not to be turned into a commercial icon or a holiday mascot, but to gently redirect our hearts away from distraction and toward Christ . How to Make Speculatius If you’d like to bake these delicious cookies for your own St. Nicholas celebration, here’s our family recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 cup shortening 2 cups brown sugar ½ cup sour cream ½ tsp baking soda 4 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp cloves 4½ cups sifted flour Directions: Cream the butter, shortening, and brown sugar together. Add sour cream alternately with sifted dry ingredients. Knead the dough, shape it into rolls, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for a few hours. Roll the dough very thin and cut into shapes—traditional bishop shapes if you can! Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve with warm cider or tea, read the story of St. Nicholas, and let the simplicity of the tradition anchor your Advent season in grace. This December 6 , consider reclaiming the true story of St. Nicholas in your home. Let the stockings and sweets tell a better story, one of hidden giving, deep faith, and a life shaped entirely by the love of Christ. Let’s tell our children the real story. Let’s point them back to Jesus.

During this time of the year, oranges are everywhere! You may have seen orange pomanders in bowls or homes decorated with garlands of dried orange slices. You'll often see them added to stockings or shoes on St. Nicholas Day. Oranges during this time of year aren’t just decorative; they carry a beautiful reminder of generosity, hope, and the light of Christ. The Story Behind Oranges in Advent Legend has it that there was a poor man who had three daughters. The man had no money to get his daughters married, and he was worried about what would happen to them after his death. Saint Nicholas was passing through town when he heard the villagers talking about the girls and he wanted to help. He knew that the old man would never accept charity so he decided to help in secret. He waited until it was night and crept into the house with a bag of gold coins for each girl. As he was looking for a place to put three bags, he noticed stockings hung over the mantelpiece for drying. He put one bag in each stocking and left. When the girls and their father woke up the next morning, they found the bags of gold coins and the girls were able to get married. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas on his feast day, December 6. Oranges became a part of the day, representing the gold coins that St. Nicholas gave. An orange was placed in each stocking on St. Nicholas' Eve, and dried orange slices decorated the house. The oranges represent the bag of gold coins with their golden color. Ways to Celebrate with Oranges in Advent Oranges can take on several roles in your Advent traditions, whether as part of your decorations, gifts, or a family activity: Stocking or Shoe Tradition : On the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5), place an orange in your children’s stockings or shoes. Pair it with chocolate coins, small toys, or a prayer card about St. Nicholas. Orange Pomanders: Make an orange pomander ( an orange studded with cloves and other spices). Decorate your home with it or give it as a gift. Garlands and Wreaths : Decorate your home with garlands or wreaths made of dried orange slices. Their vibrant color and fragrant scent fill the space with warmth and anticipation. Family Baking : Incorporate oranges into your holiday baking by making spiced orange muffins, orange zest cookies, or mulled cider with orange slices. Acts of Generosity : Let the story of St. Nicholas inspire acts of giving. Share oranges with neighbors, donate to food banks, or gift fruit baskets to those in need as a reminder of Christ’s love and provision. How to Make Dried Orange Slices Dried orange slices are a simple, natural, and beautiful way to decorate for Advent. They’re versatile and can be used in garlands, wreaths, gift tags, or even as ornaments for your Christmas tree. 3–4 fresh oranges Sharp knife or mandoline Paper towels Baking sheet Parchment paper Preheat your oven to 200°F. Slice oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly. Place the slices between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap. Bake the slices for 2–3 hours, flipping them halfway through. Check regularly toward the end to prevent burning. Once the slices are dried and slightly translucent, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Creative Uses for Dried Orange Slices Garlands : String slices together with twine, alternating with wooden beads, cinnamon sticks, or greenery for a festive garland. Wreaths : Attach dried slices to an evergreen wreath using floral wire or hot glue. Gift Tags : Tie a slice to gift packages for a fragrant and beautiful accent. Ornaments : Hang them individually on your Christmas tree with ribbon or hooks. A Sweet and Simple Tradition Whether you’re using oranges to fill stockings, decorate your home, or inspire acts of generosity, these traditions add depth and meaning to the season of Advent. They remind us of the selfless love of St. Nicholas and the ultimate gift of Jesus, the light of the world. How will you celebrate with oranges this Advent? I’d love to hear your ideas and traditions in the comments below!

Welcome, December! The days grow short and the nights grow long. December draws us into mystery, of silence, of waiting, of wonder. This is the month where the Church is hushed, candles flicker in expectant hope, and our hearts lean forward. It is a time of preparation and promise, of deepening darkness and the light that is coming. We walk slowly through Advent now, week by week, candle by candle, until finally, in the stillness of night, the cry of a newborn breaks through the silence. God with us. I’m so glad we’re entering this holy month together. Here’s an overview with helpful links: December 6th - The Feast of St. Nicolas December 13th - The Feast of St. Lucy December 21st - The Feast of St. Thomas December 24th - Christmas Eve December 25th - Christmas Day December 26th - The Feast of St. Stephen December 27th - The Feast of St. John December 28th - The Feast of the Holy Innocents Current Season: Advent On the last Sunday of November, we began the season of Advent. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season: The Season of Advent And check out my guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Advent . It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. December 6th - The Feast of St. Nicholas On St. Nicholas Day, we remember a bishop known not for grand displays of power, but for quiet acts of generosity, steadfast faith, and deep compassion. Nicholas of Myra, the real man behind the legends, gave without fanfare, protected the vulnerable, and pointed always to Christ. His life reminds us that holiness often looks like hidden faithfulness, slipping coins into shoes, feeding the hungry, standing up for the innocent. As we mark this day, we are invited to practice his kind of giving: humble, joyful, and rooted in love. Celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas December 13th - The Feast of St. Lucy On St. Lucy’s Day, we honor a young woman of radiant faith, whose name means “light” and whose witness shines in the heart of Advent’s darkness. Martyred for her unwavering devotion to Christ, Lucy reminds us that even in times of deep suffering, light is not overcome. Her story has been cherished for centuries, especially in Scandinavian traditions, where the eldest daughter dons a crown of candles and brings sweet saffron buns to her family. Today, we remember St. Lucy as a bearer of light, one who points us to the true Light of the world, and calls us to carry His light into the shadows around us. Celebrating the Feast of St. Lucy December 21st - The Feast of St. Thomas On the Feast of St. Thomas, we remember the apostle known for his doubt, but also for his devotion. Often called “Doubting Thomas,” he longed not just to believe with his heart, but to see with his eyes and touch with his hands. His honest questions led to one of the clearest confessions of faith in all of Scripture: “My Lord and my God.” Tradition tells us that Thomas carried the Gospel far beyond the Roman Empire, bringing the Good News to India and planting seeds of faith that still bear fruit today. His life reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often its beginning, and that Christ meets us in our questions with grace and truth. Celebrating the Feast of St. Thomas December 24th - Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, we stand on the edge of mystery. The long waiting of Advent draws to a close, and the Church grows hushed with holy anticipation. It is the night when heaven touches earth, when the eternal Word prepares to be born in time. In candlelit churches and quiet homes, we keep watch with shepherds and angels, waiting for the cry of a newborn King. This night is filled with promise and wonder, a reminder that God comes not with noise or spectacle, but in the stillness, in the dark, in the form of a child. Celebrating Christmas Eve December 25th - Christmas Day On Christmas Day, joy breaks into the world like light at dawn. The waiting is over, Christ is born! Heaven and earth rejoice as the Word is made flesh and dwells among us. This is the day when God enters our story not with power or prestige, but wrapped in humility and love. The manger becomes a throne, and the cries of a baby echo the hope of all creation. Today, we celebrate the miracle of the Incarnation, Emmanuel, God with us, and give thanks for the love that took on flesh to save and redeem. How to Celebrate Christmastide or the 12 Days of Christmas Reclaiming the Seasons: Advent and Christmas December 26th - The Feast of St. Stephen On St. Stephen’s Day, the joy of Christmas meets the cost of discipleship. As the Church celebrates the birth of Christ, we also remember the first martyr, the first to follow Jesus all the way to the end. Stephen, full of grace and power, bore witness with courage and forgave with love, even as stones fell. His feast reminds us that the light of Christ shines brightest through lives poured out in faith. Today, we honor his boldness, his mercy, and the call to love our enemies, even in the face of suffering. Celebrating the Feast of St. Stephen December 27th - The Feast of St. John On St. John’s Day, we remember the beloved disciple, the one who leaned against Christ at the Last Supper, who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross, and who was entrusted with the care of Mary. John’s Gospel speaks of light and love, of the mystery of the Word made flesh, and of the deep, abiding truth that we are known and loved by God. Unlike the other apostles, John was not martyred, but he bore witness through a long life of faithful testimony. Today, we give thanks for his bold love, his poetic vision, and the way his words continue to draw us closer to the heart of Jesus. Celebrating the Feast of St. John December 28th - The Feast of the Holy Innocents On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, we remember the little ones of Bethlehem, children who were caught in the cruelty of power and fear, and whose lives were lost in King Herod’s attempt to destroy the Christ Child. Though they were too young to speak or understand, the Church honors them as the first martyrs, innocent witnesses to the coming of Christ. Today is a tender and solemn day, one that invites us to hold space for grief, to pray for all vulnerable children, and to long for the day when every tear will be wiped away. Their lives, though short, echo the Gospel truth: even the smallest among us bear the image of God. Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Innocents Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Quick reminder - we are now at the very beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Keep up with every new season, feast and fast day with the 2025-2026 Liturgical Home wall calendar! Or 2025-2026 Liturgical Planner

Yesterday, I shared the history and symbolism of the Advent wreath , one of my favorite traditions to mark the season of waiting and preparation. Today, I’m excited to help you bring this beautiful tradition into your home by sharing a round-up of my favorite Advent wreaths. Whether you’re drawn to something traditional with evergreens and candles, or a DIY project to make with your family, there’s an Advent wreath here for every home and style. Let these wreaths inspire your own journey through Advent as we light our way toward the joy of Christmas. Here are my top picks—let’s dive in! Make Your Own: SUPPLIES Greenery from your yard OR Artificial Christmas greenery garland ( on sale for $11.99) Wire wreath form with ties 18-inch ($4.24) Advent pillar candles ($28.99) White Pillar Candle ($10.99) Lay wire form in the middle of your kitchen or dining table. Cut greenery from your yard, add to the wire frame, OR lay your artificial greenery garland around the wire form and attach it with the ties. Add your purple and pink pillar candles inside the circle (you'll form a square with the pillar candle). Place the white pillar candle in the middle. Ready Made: Advent Wreath With Candles: Brass 5 Candle Advent Wreath with Five 10" Candles $55.00 Advent Wreaths: Gold 5 Candle Advent Wreath $19.99 4 Candle Advent Wreath Ring by Vermont Christmas Company  $15.95 Set of 5 10" Wax Taper Candles by Vermont Christmas Company - 3 Purple, 1 Pink, 1 White $9.99 4 Candle Advent Candle Set  $12.99 with a $2 off coupon 5 Candle Beeswax Advent Candles  $29.99 4 Candle Be A Heart Muted 10" Advent Candles. On sale for $18.74, regularly $24.99 5 Piece Blue Advent Candle Set $14.99

Advent is one of my favorite seasons in the Church year, a quiet time of hope, preparation, and expectant waiting as we journey toward the joy of Christmas. And one of the most meaningful ways to mark this season at home is also one of the simplest: lighting an Advent wreath. This recent tradition is full of rich symbolism. It helps us mark time not according to the busy rush of December, but according to sacred time, watching, waiting, and praying for the light of Christ to come into the darkness. If you’ve never used an Advent wreath before, or if you’re familiar with the practice but want to deepen your understanding, let’s explore its origins, its meaning, and how it can become part of your Advent rhythm. A Brief History of the Advent Wreath The practice of lighting candles in anticipation of Christmas can be traced back to German Lutherans in the 16th century. But the Advent wreath as we know it today was created by a Lutheran pastor named Johann Wichern in the 19th century. Wichern worked with children in a mission school for the urban poor in Hamburg, Germany. During the season of Advent, the children constantly asked, “Is it Christmas yet?” - a question familiar to any parent or teacher. To help them visualize the wait, he created a large wooden ring with 24 small red candles and four large white ones . Each day of Advent, they lit a red candle, and each Sunday, a white one, building anticipation through the growing light. Over time, the tradition evolved. The number of candles was simplified to four , one for each Sunday of Advent, and the colors changed to reflect liturgical symbolism. Eventually, the practice spread from Germany to other Protestant traditions and then to Catholic and Anglican churches as well. Today, the Advent wreath is beloved by Christians around the world. And whether it’s placed at the center of a church sanctuary or on a family’s kitchen table, it continues to offer a quiet, meaningful way to live into the season. The Symbolism of the Wreath Each element of the Advent wreath is deeply symbolic: The circular shape represents eternity, a reminder that God has no beginning and no end. Evergreens used to form the wreath symbolize the eternal life we have in Christ and the unchanging nature of God. Candles represent the growing light of Christ breaking into the world and into our lives. As John 1:5 says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The number and color of the candles also carry meaning: Three purple or violet candles (or sometimes blue) reflect the traditional penitential tone of Advent. These weeks invite us to prepare our hearts through repentance and prayer. The rose candle , lit on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), represents joy, a moment of rejoicing as Christmas draws near. The white candle , often placed in the center, is the Christ candle , lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of our Savior. The progressive lighting of the candles each Sunday reflects the increasing brightness of Christ’s coming. Week by week, light builds in our homes, mirroring the light of Christ coming into the world. Bringing It into Your Home In our family, the Advent wreath is central to how we observe the season. We light it during dinner on Sundays and read Scripture, sing hymns, or offer a short prayer together. It doesn’t need to be complicated. The practice itself, pausing, lighting a candle, sitting in the glow, is enough to reorient our hearts. If you’re looking for a deeper guide to using the Advent wreath, including the meaning of each candle and Scripture readings or prayers to say as you light them, I’ve included everything you need in my book, The Liturgical Home: Advent . The Advent wreath is more than just a decoration. It’s a quiet rhythm, a weekly reminder, and a symbol of hope. In a world that rushes toward Christmas, it helps us slow down and prepare. It helps us wait well. And perhaps most beautifully, it reminds us that even a small flame can hold back the dark.

Most of us associate December with Christmas music, joyful carols, bright melodies, and familiar refrains that fill stores, streets, and homes. But before the celebration of Christmas comes the quiet season of Advent, and it has a soundtrack all its own. I didn’t know this when I first began exploring the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Like many, I moved straight from Thanksgiving dinner to “Joy to the World.” But Advent has its own songs, ancient and yearning for a coming king who will set the world to rights. They are full of hope and longing. And when we make space for them, they shape our hearts for the season ahead. Why Advent Music Matters Advent music sets a tone that’s intentionally different from Christmas music. While carols celebrate Christ’s birth, Advent hymns recognize the world’s deep longing for redemption. They give voice to our waiting, our desire for light, healing, and peace in a world that still groans under the weight of darkness. Take the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel . With its haunting melody and scriptural lyrics, it reflects the ache of Israel, and of all of us, for a Savior. O come, O come Emmanuel,And ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear. The refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel”—perfectly captures the paradox of Advent: joy promised, but not yet fulfilled. Another powerful Advent hymn is Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending . It shifts our gaze from Bethlehem to Christ’s second coming in glory, reminding us that Advent is about more than looking back. It’s about looking ahead. Lo! He comes with clouds descending,Once for our salvation slain;Thousand thousand saints attendingSwell the triumph of His train.Alleluia! God appears on earth to reign. Advent hymns invite us to feel the weight of our waiting, and to hope more deeply because of it. Resisting the Pull of Christmas Music I’ll admit, it’s not easy to resist Christmas music in December. It’s everywhere, from radio stations to store speakers, and it’s easy to get swept up in its cheer. But by embracing Advent music during this season of preparation, we create a sense of space and anticipation that allows Christmas to shine even brighter when it comes. In our home, we wait until Christmas Eve to begin playing Christmas carols. Throughout Advent, we focus on music that reflects the themes of longing, waiting, and expectation. And when the first notes of O Come All Ye Faithful ring out at our Christmas Eve service, they feel weighty and meaningful in a new way, because we’ve been waiting for them. Advent Playlists to Enrich the Season To help you make room for the songs of this season, I’ve created two playlists, one traditional, one contemporary. You can listen while lighting candles on your Advent wreath, driving to school, or reflecting quietly in the evening. These songs are companions for your waiting. Traditional Advent Playlist This playlist features beloved hymns that have been sung by Christians for generations. Songs like Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence and O Come, Divine Messiah connect us to the long hope of the Church throughout the centuries. They offer a sense of reverence, stillness, and deep theological richness. Contemporary Advent Playlist This playlist highlights modern songs that echo the themes of Advent in fresh and thoughtful ways. Artists like Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, and Mission House bring the longing of the season into today’s musical language. It’s a beautiful way to experience the same deep truths with a modern voice. Advent music is a quiet gift. It helps us pause. It gives voice to our waiting. And it roots us in the sacred tension of the season, that Christ has come, and yet we still long for His coming again. By making space for Advent music now, we prepare our hearts more fully for Christmas. The joy, when it comes, will not feel rushed or routine. It will feel earned. It will feel real. So this Advent, I invite you to let these songs fill your home, your heart, and your family’s rhythms. Light a candle, sit in the quiet, and listen. Let the music lead you deeper into the season. Do you have a favorite Advent hymn or playlist? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. HUGE DISCLAIMER! - I get it, it can be hard to give up Christmas music and only listen to Advent music during Advent. A solution that we came up with was to let our kids listen to secular Christmas music all they wanted to during Advent because songs like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” have nothing to do with Jesus and then we added in lots of Advent hymns.

On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Though a relatively new addition to the Church calendar, this feast carries deep theological significance. It proclaims what the Church has always believed: that Jesus Christ is not only our Savior, but our King, reigning now and reigning forever. This feast was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to the social, political, and cultural upheaval that followed World War I. In the years after the war, Europe was fractured. Millions had died or been wounded, economies had collapsed, and people were turning away from traditional institutions, including the Church. Secular ideologies were gaining influence, and dictators like Mussolini and Stalin were beginning to rise. Pius XI recognized that people were placing their hope in political figures and ideologies, rather than in God. In response, he wrote the encyclical Quas Primas and established the Feast of Christ the King. His goal was to remind the faithful that Christ’s authority extends beyond private religious devotion and into every part of our lives, personal, political, and societal. Christ is not merely King of our hearts; He is King of all creation. The Kingship of Christ When we speak of Christ as King, we mean that He holds authority over all things, over the heavens and the earth, over nations and history, over our minds, wills, and hearts. His kingship is not based on conquest or coercion, but on sacrificial love. Christ reigns not from a golden throne, but from the cross. His crown was made of thorns. His rule is marked by humility, service, and redemption. This is the paradox of the Christian faith: the King of the universe came not to be served but to serve. He gave Himself for us, conquered sin and death through His resurrection, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. From there, He reigns now, even as we await His return in glory. A Present Reality and a Future Hope The Feast of Christ the King reminds us that Christ’s reign is both a present reality and a future hope . Today, He reigns in the hearts of those who submit to His lordship and live according to His Word. His kingdom is breaking in, even now, wherever justice, mercy, and love take root. And yet, we also look ahead with expectation. The feast carries an eschatological weight, pointing us to the day when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will be fully realized. As St. Paul writes in Philippians: “Therefore God has highly exalted himand bestowed on him the name that is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.”— Philippians 2:9–11 It is fitting, then, that the Church places this feast at the very end of the liturgical year. We close the year by proclaiming Christ’s victory and sovereignty, and we begin the new year, on the first Sunday of Advent, by waiting for His coming. The rhythm of the Church year reminds us of the great mystery of our faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Stir-Up Sunday Long before the Feast of Christ the King was established, the final Sunday before Advent was already known in the Anglican tradition as “Stir-Up Sunday.” The name comes from the opening words of the collect for the day in the 1549 Book of Common Prayer : “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people;that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,may by thee be plenteously rewarded;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Because of this collect, it became traditional in England to prepare and “stir up” the Christmas pudding on this day. Families would gather in the kitchen and stir the batter together, often from East to West in honor of the journey of the Magi. Coins or charms were sometimes hidden inside the pudding, believed to bring blessings to the one who found them on Christmas Day. Though it may seem like a lighthearted tradition, it beautifully echoes the spiritual posture of the season: preparation . Stir-Up Sunday marks a turning point, reminding us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. How to Celebrate Christ the King Sunday Like all liturgical feasts, Christ the King Sunday can be marked in both your home and your church. Here are some ways to honor this day: Reflect on Scripture Read Revelation 17:14 and 1 Timothy 6:11–16 together as a family or small group. Talk about how Christ’s kingship differs from worldly power. Pray the Collect Use the collect for Christ the King Sunday from the Book of Common Prayer: “Almighty and everlasting God,whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son,the King of kings and Lord of lords:Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,divided and enslaved by sin,may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule;who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever. Amen.” Add Crowns to Sacred Images Place gold crowns on crosses or crucifixes. Make paper crowns for children to decorate and wear. Add crowns to icons or images of Jesus in your home. Prepare a Feast Dress in your best clothes and set the table with beautiful linens and candles. Serve “kingly” foods like chicken à la king , pork crown roast , or even a Christ the King pound cake (a golden bundt cake shaped like a crown). Listen to hymns such as “Crown Him With Many Crowns” or “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven.” Stir Up a Pudding If you’d like to try the English tradition, stir together a plum pudding (or any favorite dessert) and take turns making prayers or wishes as a family. Even if you don’t bake, reading the collect together is a beautiful way to mark the day. A Feast for Every Season Though the Feast of Christ the King was established in response to a particular historical moment, its message is timeless. In every age, the Church must proclaim the lordship of Christ. In every generation, we are called to resist the false kings of power, wealth, and self, and to kneel before the only King who is worthy. In a world that feels increasingly fractured, this feast is a reminder that we are not lost. We are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We belong to a King who rules with justice, mercy, and love. As we prepare to enter Advent, let us do so with hearts stirred up, with eyes lifted high, and with joyful confidence in the One whose kingdom has no end. the recipe - Christ the King Pound Cake 3 cups sugar ½ cup shortening 2 sticks butter, room temperature 6 eggs, room temperature 3 cups flour ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon rum extract 1 teaspoon coconut extract Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Cream shortening, butter, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Add extracts and blend well. Pour batter into a buttered and floured 10-inch bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

“Let it be our care and delight…” All of Scripture is a sacred love story, the love of God the Father for His people. It’s a story of longing and fulfillment, a holy ache running through every page. From the very beginning, God has walked with us, called to us, and searched for us, even when we turned from Him again and again. The Old Testament reads like a deep breath held: a people longing to be made whole, and a God who never stops calling them back. Through the prophets, God speaks promises, of redemption, of restoration, of hearts made new. And always, those promises point to a coming Savior. One who will rescue, restore, and reconcile. One who will draw us back into fellowship with the God who made us. Each Advent, we join in that long waiting. We stand with the prophets. We wait with all creation. We listen to the silence that followed their words, for 400 years, and then, from the quiet, something begins. God stretches out His hand to a small town. To a young girl. To a quiet “yes.” And time itself is changed. The Incarnation Begins Here The God of the universe humbles Himself. He makes Himself small. Flesh. A helpless babe. And this moment, the coming of Christ in the Incarnation, is so significant, so earth-shifting, that the Church begins her calendar right here. The first day of the Church year is the first Sunday of Advent . The word Advent comes from the Latin Adventus , meaning “coming.” It is a season of preparation, for the coming of Christ at Christmas, and also for His return in glory at the end of time. It is not just a countdown to Christmas.It is a season all its own. A time of sacred anticipation. In her book Around the Year with the Trapp Family , Maria Von Trapp writes that “the whole of Advent is characterized by the boundless desire for the coming of Christ expressed in the liturgy.” We feel that desire in the prayers, in the hymns, in the slowly growing light of the Advent wreath.We hear it in the cry of the Church: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Preparing the Way As Lent prepares us for Easter, Advent prepares us for the coming of Christ. We listen to the voice of John the Baptist, the final prophet, crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. We turn inward. We ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts, to reveal what is unclean, and to help us bear the fruit of repentance. Advent is not just a season for candles and carols. It is a time of real soul preparation. And that preparation leads us to outward action as well. We remember the Holy Family, poor, weary, with nowhere to lay their heads, and we look with compassion on those in our own communities who have little. We give alms. We extend generosity. We soften toward those around us, and we make room, for others, and for Christ. As Maria Von Trapp so beautifully says, this season is given so that our souls might be restored, and so that we, as the Church, might be led “into a more profound delight in His birth.” A Season Missing from the World And yet, Advent is so often absent. Our world skips right from Halloween to Christmas decorations, and then tosses them aside before December 26th. The beauty and the mystery of the season is lost. Even in many Christian homes, Advent is overlooked, replaced by busyness and bright lights and a vague “holiday season” that has little to do with the Christ child. We are left with sentimentality instead of incarnation.A celebration without preparation.A season without a Savior. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can reclaim Advent. We can mark it with quiet. With candlelight. With prayer. With intention. The Church Leads the Way The Church, in her wisdom, invites us back.She gives us a different rhythm.And through her liturgy, she shows us how to wait. Each year, at the Festival of Lessons and Carols , the Advent Bidding Prayer is spoken. It is one of the most beautiful expressions of this season, a call to remember, to long, and to prepare. Beloved in Christ , in this season of Advent,let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselvesto hear again the message of the Angels,and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem,to see the Babe lying in a manger.Let us read and mark in Holy Scripturethe tale of the loving purposes of Godfrom the first days of our disobedienceunto the glorious Redemptionbrought us by his holy Child,and let us look forward to the yearly remembranceof his birth with hymns and songs of praise. (Book of Occasional Services, 2004) This is the heart of Advent. A sacred pause. A slow unfolding. A season to prepare Him room. Not just in our homes. But in our hearts. For more on celebrating Advent in your home, The Liturgical Home: Advent

All of Scripture is a sacred love story, the love of God the Father for His people. It is a story filled with expectation, longing, and fulfillment. From the beginning, God has lovingly walked with us, called to us, and searched for us even when we turned from Him over and over again. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly calls his people back to himself and time and again we remain unfaithful. He sends the prophets to call His people back and with the call to return comes a promise, a promise of hope, a promise of redemption, a promise of restoration, a promise to be made again into the people we were meant to be, a people fully alive in God. These saving acts of God will be accomplished through a Savior who will come to rescue us and bring us back into fellowship with God. No longer will we strive with God. No longer will we be separated from Him. No longer will we turn from Him because, through His Savior, His Messiah, His Anointed One, He will give us new hearts and set us free. Each Advent, we wait with the prophets and with all of creation for the birth of the promised Savior. The prophets’ call grows silent for 400 years and then suddenly, out of nowhere, the Almighty God stretches forth His hand to a small town and calls a seemingly insignificant young girl and she says “Yes.” The God of the universe humbles himself and makes himself flesh, to fully walk with us in our joy and sorrow. He takes the form of a helpless babe. It is a great mystery. It is the Incarnation. It is God with us, Emmanuel. This event is so spectacular, so exceptional, and so important that time itself starts here. The first day of the Church year is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin “Adventus” and simply means "coming." The season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time for us to prepare not only for the celebration of the coming of Christ as a babe on Christmas Day, but also for the second coming of Christ when he will return in triumph to judge the world. In her book, Around the Year with the Trapp Family , Maria Von Trapp says that the “whole of Advent is characterized by the boundless desire for the coming of Christ expressed in the liturgy” of the Church. And so we cry out with the Church and with all our hearts: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” And, like creation from Adam until the last prophet, or like Mary expectant with child, we embrace the mystery of waiting and we lovingly prepare our hearts. Just like the season of Lent is a time to prepare for Easter, the season of Advent is the time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It is during this time that we look to John the Baptist, the last and greatest prophet sent by God to prepare us for the Messiah. We turn inward and pray for the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and our motives and to reveal anything that is unclean within us. We repent of our sins and we strive to offer fruits worthy of repentance. Advent is also a time to remember those less fortunate than us, those who, like the Holy Family, have very little in this life and no place to rest their weary heads. It is a time to collect alms for the poor and to stretch out our hands in a spirit of charity to bless and heal those around us. The preparation of Advent is given so that our souls may be restored and so that we might be led, as a Church, into a “more profound delight in His birth” (Maria Von Trapp). Although the Church celebrates the season, Advent is absent from the everyday world in which we live. And sadly, it is also often missing from our own homes. Our entire Christian faith is based upon the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. However, in the world in which we live, we are given no time to prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior and then no time to celebrate it once we get there. Christmas decorations explode into stores right after the Halloween merchandise comes down and then the season abruptly ends the day after Christmas. The very heart of both Advent and Christmas - Jesus - has been ripped away and all we are left with is an abstract “Holiday” season. Songs of “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” blare over the loudspeaker and we are wished a “Happy Holidays” rather than a “Merry Christmas” by the checkout clerk. The Christmas season has become completely devoid of Christ. For the wider world, it is no better than a hyper-commercialized pagan Holiday. But, let us, as God’s people, reclaim the beauty and longing of the season of Advent and celebrate it with the Church throughout the world. Hear these words from the Bidding Prayer which is said each year at the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols: "Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by his holy Child, and let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise." Book of Occasional Services (2004), p. 31.

Introducing the Liturgical Home Liturgical Year Planner A simple way to organize your life around sacred time. Each year, as we prepare to walk through the seasons of the Church — Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, I find myself looking for meaningful tools to help me stay rooted. Not just organized, but anchored. Not just productive, but prayerful. That’s why I created The Liturgical Home: Liturgical Year Planner —a softbound, 8.5 x 11” planner designed to help you live each day in rhythm with the Church calendar. Whether you’re managing a home, homeschooling, serving in ministry, or simply trying to stay connected to the sacred in the midst of the everyday, this planner was made for you. It’s not about doing more. It’s about remembering what matters most , and letting the year unfold with peace and purpose. What’s Inside: This planner gently guides you through the 2025–2026 liturgical year with: Monthly Calendars Each month includes key feast days, fasts, and liturgical seasons, already marked and ready to guide your planning. Seasonal Overviews Learn the meaning and themes of each liturgical season, with short reflections to ground your time in the Church year. Weekly Planning Pages Spacious weekly layouts help you track commitments while making room for what’s eternal, not just urgent. Monthly To-Do Lists Space to keep track of what needs to be done, without overwhelm. Liturgical Recipes One seasonal recipe each month, rooted in tradition, perfect for marking feast days with family or friends. Who It’s For Parents seeking to bring the Church year into their home life Teachers or homeschoolers planning around the liturgical seasons Individuals who want their time to reflect their faith Anyone longing for less hustle and more sacred rhythm You don’t need to know everything about the liturgical calendar to use this. You just need a desire to live more intentionally and a willingness to begin. Rooted in Rhythm, Not Rush This planner isn’t packed with productivity hacks. It won’t ask you to hustle your way through holy time. Instead, it offers space, space to write, space to reflect, and space to follow the slow, steady unfolding of the Church year. It’s a companion for the season ahead. One you can return to again and again, as you learn to mark your days not just by deadlines, but by meaning . Now Available The Liturgical Home Liturgical Year Planner (2025–2026) is available now. I hope it serves you as you walk through this next year with eyes lifted and heart rooted in Christ. Click here to order your copy !

Not Christmas. Not Yet. Before the lights, before the feasting, before the joy of Christmas morning,there is Advent. A quiet season. A sacred invitation.A time for waiting. It can be easy to skip past it. To reach straight for the decorations and the sparkle and the fullness of December. But the Church, in her wisdom, offers us something different, a beginning that begins in the dark. Advent isn’t a countdown to Christmas. It’s not just a festive lead-up to the big day. It’s a season all its own, and it invites us into something deeper. We light candles slowly, week by week.We pray ancient prayers of longing.We prepare Him room, not just in our homes, but in our hearts. This is a season for holy anticipation.Not because everything is already bright and joyful, but because we believe the Light is coming. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing gentle ways to mark the season at home: prayers and Scripture readings, simple traditions, recipes like St. Lucy’s Day buns, and small practices that help us live into Advent without rushing or pressure. My hope is that by the time Advent arrives, you’ll feel prepared, not in a busy or performative way, but in that deep, quiet sense of readiness that Advent calls for. So for now, hold off just a little longer on Christmas. Let your heart begin with waiting. It’s nearly time. AND if you’d like help walking through the season of Advent , I’ve created a guidebook with everything you need to celebrate the season in your home. In The Liturgical Home: Advent , is designed for individuals and families alike. This beautiful guide weaves together history, daily devotions, and beloved traditions and recipes from around the world, making it easy to honor Advent in meaningful ways at home. Inside, you’ll discover: Daily devotions and prayers to guide you through each day of Advent The stories behind cherished Advent traditions, like the Advent wreath, St. Nicholas Day, and more Traditional recipes and activities from different around the world, perfect for bringing family and friends together A deeper look into the significance of Advent, helping you connect with its purpose and beauty So this year, what if we did things a little differently? Let’s step off the fast track to December 25th and allow ourselves to journey through Advent with intention so that when Christmas finally arrives, we can enter it with open hearts and unhurried joy. Let’s reclaim the beauty of this special season and find, in its rhythm, a deeper and more meaningful way to celebrate.

Happy second day of November! The year grows quieter. Leaves fall, days shorten, and the Church invites us to look both backward and forward, with gratitude for those who’ve gone before us, and with watchful hope for what is to come. This is the month of saints, of vigils and prayers spoken softly in the candlelight. It is a time to reflect on eternity while tending to the present with faithfulness. We begin in the company of the Church Triumphant and end with hearts turning toward Advent, ready to wait again for Light to enter the world. I’m so grateful to journey through it with you! Here’s an overview with helpful links: November 1st - All Saints’ Day November 23rd - Christ the King Sunday November 30th - The First Sunday of Advent Current Season: Ordinary Time During the month of November, we wrap up our journey through the season of Ordinary Time. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season: The Season of Ordinary Time And check out my latest guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time . It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. The Next Season: Advent On the last Sunday of November, we begin the season of Advent. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season: The Season of Advent And check out my guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Advent . It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. November 1st - All Saints’ Day On All Saints’ Day, we remember the great cloud of witnesses, those known and unknown, who have gone before us in faith. These are the ones who loved Christ more than comfort, who followed Him through joy and suffering, and whose lives now shine like stars in the firmament of the Church. Today, we give thanks for their example and their ongoing presence with us in the communion of saints. This feast reminds us that sainthood is not about perfection, but about perseverance. It calls us to walk faithfully in our time as they did in theirs, ordinary people transformed by grace, and made radiant by love. The Origins of Halloweeen and All Saints’ Day November 23rd - Christ the King Sunday On Christ the King Sunday, we come to the end of the liturgical year with a bold confession: Christ reigns. Not as the world rules, but with a crown of thorns and a throne shaped like a cross. His kingdom is one of mercy, justice, and peace, and it calls us to live not for power or recognition, but for love. This feast draws our eyes to the eternal King who holds all things together and invites us to surrender every part of our lives to His rule. As we prepare to begin again with Advent, we pause to remember: Christ is Lord, yesterday, today, and forever. Christ the King Sunday Christ the King Pond Cake November 30th - The First Sunday of Advent On the First Sunday of Advent, we begin again. The Church year opens not with fanfare, but with waiting, with candles lit in the quiet, hearts leaning forward in hope. This is a season of watching and preparing, of learning to live in the tension between what is and what will be. We remember that Christ has come, Christ will come again, and even now, He comes to us in hidden, ordinary ways. As we light the first candle, may we make room, slowly, intentionally, for the Light that is coming into the world. Preparing Your Heart and Home For Advent Discover the Beauty of Advent Music Celebrating Advent With an Advent Wreath Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Quick reminder - we are quickly approaching the end of the Christian liturgical year. Make sure you’re ready for the new liturgical year with the 2025-2026 Liturgical Home wall calendar!