Love is palpable this time of year, but it is often intertwined in the occasions of visiting, decorating, gift giving, baking, and other activities that we often look forward to because they are comforting, nostalgic, and bring us cheer. This Christmas, let us accept the challenge of stepping out of this place of contentment to practice sacrificial love.

In some respects, waiting seems unpalatable.  We are constantly “skipping to the good part.” But waiting gives us time to prepare, to ready our hearts, and to grow in virtue.  It’s not a boring season, but one of anticipation and holy receptivity.  Through waiting well, we cultivate a childlike disposition. 

This Advent, Catholic Women in Business are invited to enter a sacred kind of waiting — one that refines, not rushes. In a world obsessed with productivity and profit, God calls us instead to prepare our hearts with mercy and mindfulness.

This Third Week of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, we are rejoicing because of the anticipation of the long-awaited Messiah. Advent, a season of preparation, is coming to an end, and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior will be coming into the world just as the Scriptures foretold. We need to continue to prepare for His arrival in our hearts, minds, and actions.

Saint Lucy’s feast day is celebrated annually on December 13th. In the northern hemisphere, this day is one of the shortest days of the year, with limited hours of daylight. Paradoxically, the name Lucy is derived from the Latin word for “light.” Despite hardships, Lucy persevered in her faith and serves as a strong example of a bearer of Christ’s light.