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) Sponsor - Stonecrop Wealth Advisors: Are your financial decisions truly aligned with your Catholic faith? Many investors are unaware that their portfolios might be supporting causes that contradict their deepest values in Christ. At Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, we believe it’s possible to invest in a way that reflects and honors your beliefs. We offer faith-based investment portfolios that avoid companies involved in activities contrary to Christian values, such as abortion, pornography, or pride parades. Instead, we focus on supporting businesses that align with the teachings of the Church and work to build the Kingdom of God while contributing positively to society. As a fee-only fiduciary, our primary mission is to serve your best interests. We offer financial advice and investment management designed to help you achieve your long-term goals without compromising your values. Whether you’re an individual, family, business, or non-profit, we’re here to provide you with a new path toward a faith-driven financial future. No matter where you are on your financial journey, you can start aligning your investments with your faith today. If you’re ready to transform your financial strategy and help ensure your investments are working to build a future guided by faith, reach out to Stonecrop Wealth Advisors. As part of our commitment to helping you, we’re offering a free financial plan and portfolio analysis. We’ll help you discover which of your current investments might be funding activities that go against your beliefs and guide you toward a faith-aligned investment strategy. To learn more and take the next step toward aligning your finances with your faith, visit https://www.stonecropadvisors.com/abidingtogether Investment advisory services are offered through Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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
