In this week's episode, we conclude our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel. We discuss how we all have deep cries within our hearts and how Jesus coming as a baby gives voice to those longings and sorrows that we hold. We also reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the love of God, the power of a name in calling out our truest identity, and the great adventure of falling in love with the Lord. Friends, thank you for joining us on the journey this Advent season. We look forward to next year and pray the Lord reveals Himself to you in a deeper and more intimate way this Christmas season. God bless!

Heather’s One Thing - 2025 SEEK Conference in DC and the Ave Maria Press team

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming choral arrangement

Michelle’s One Thing - Our amazing staff (Kristina, Camille, Kate, and Kathy) and The Genesis Prescription Program with SoulCore

 

Other Resources Mentioned: 

Encountering Emmanuel Resources 

 

Announcement:

Season 16 will begin on January 20th, 2025!

 

Journal Questions:

• What would it look like for light to be born in the darkness of my life?
• Where are the places I’m trying to escape or overcome my own humanity?
• Where in my spiritual life do I feel like I’ve plateaued?
• Pray the Litany of Encounter. Which line resonates with you at this moment?

 

Discussion Questions:

• When you think about seeing Jesus face-to-face, what questions, fears, or excitement are in your heart?
• Where do you need the Holy Spirit to overshadow you?
• What graces have you received this Advent?
• What is Jesus inviting you to this Christmas season?

 

Quote to Ponder:

“Jesus has chosen to show me the only way which leads to the divine furnace of love; it is the way of a childlike self-surrender, the way of a child who sleeps, afraid of nothing, in its fathers arms.” (St Therese of Lisieux)

 

Scripture for Lectio:

“And His name shall be called Emmanuel, which means God with us.”  (Matthew 1:23)

 

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Stonecrop Wealth Advisors

01:13 - Intro

02:19 - Welcome

05:03 - Jesus Comes to Show Us God’s Love

07:07 - The Liturgical Seasons

08:33 - He Comes with a Cry

11:38 - He Comes with a Name

12:27 - He Comes as a Person with a Face

16:00 - He Comes with the Holy Spirit

20:30 - He Comes as a Gift to the World

25:10 - Litany of Encounter

29:02 - One Things