"Rejoice!" Finding Your Place in the Advent Story by Fr. Mark Toups

There is a phenomenon in my own life that I’ve observed that may be recognizable to you, as well. February starts, Ash Wednesday draws near, and you find yourself listing all the ways that you’re going to grow closer to the Lord during Lent: daily rosaries, time reading Sacred Scripture, attending weekly Adoration, the list goes on. But when it comes to Advent, a similar season of preparation and reflection, we light the first candle and “boom” it feels like two minutes later it’s Christmas Eve and we’re asking ourselves “how did we get here”? “Is my heart truly ready to receive Him?” If this sounds familiar, I encourage you to join me in breaking this habit and embracing a greater intentionality this Advent. Over the next few weeks we will be recommending titles to you which we hope will help you each day to prepare a place in your heart for our Lord to be received this December 25th. One of the devotionals that has proven to be a great guide throughout this time of year in the past has been the “Rejoice” series offered by Fr. Mark Toups at Ascension Press. Each day’s section contains a reflection, scriptural passage, a word for meditation, and space for journaling, which make it the perfect accountability partner to ensure daily prayer. Additionally, each week will also feature a video from either Fr. Toups, Sister Miriam, or Fr. Josh Johnson, who help you to enter deeper into the themes of that week. In this edition, these include the places, people, and events that surrounded Jesus’ birth thousands of years ago, helping you to discover a greater intimacy with our Savior in His coming. If you are a young adult, feel welcome to join our small group study of this book by signing up through the link on our ad in the bulletin. Otherwise, we invite you to consider ordering your own copy for your personal preparation this Advent!