Advent is coming!
It’s time to prepare for Advent! Sounds silly, I know. Prepare for a season of preparation? But many people seem to have a game plan for Lent… they pray about what they’re going to give up and think about how to increase their focus on the Lord. Why don’t we think about Advent in the same way? It’s time to prepare for Advent!
Advent is my favorite season of the year, so I decide to push up my sleeves and deliver lots of content. So here we go…
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, I’ve been privileged to be on the team that has been working on the new Amen app from the Augustine Institute. There is a lot of great Advent content coming on the app, so you’ll want to download the app (it’s free!) so you’ll be ready to go.
The Dawn From On High
I’ll be teaching a four-week study on my YouTube channel during Advent. We’ll be live on Monday nights at 7ET/4PT. It was hard for me to narrow down the topic, especially since I’ve been working on a Bible study on the Joyful Mysteries and the Incarnation lately. But I decided to be crazy and give you something brand new!
We often skim past the beginning of Luke’s Gospel to get to the Annunciation to Mary. Zechariah and Elizabeth are almost treated like trailers before the movie – they’re interesting, but not what you came to see. But Zechariah and Elizabeth are the hinge between the Old and New Testaments.
The Annunciation to Zechariah and his canticle are full of rich Old Testament allusions that you might be missing. But not anymore! Join me live on YouTube every Monday of Advent as we dive into a study of the rich Old Testament background to these events.
Why does it actually make sense that Jesus would come from Nazareth? Why would Gabriel revealing his name to Zechariah be such a powerful statement? Find out this Advent!
The study will be live on my YouTube channel and can be watched later at your convenience.
An optional downloadable study guide is available for $5. This will be a simple .pdf document, emailed to you closer to our launch. It’s not necessary for the study, but it will include Scripture references, some additional quotes, reflection questions, etc.
You can pre-order the digital study guide over at my website: www.joanmwatson.com/media. (Patrons, you’ll get it for free!)
O Antiphons
One of my favorite Advent traditions is the O Antiphons, which the Church prays from December 17 to December 24. This year, I’ll be sending a daily reflection on the O Antiphon to all of you, via this Substack newsletter. You don’t need to do anything extra to get them - but if you know someone who might be interested, encourage them to subscribe!
Patron Study
Since a four-week study isn’t enough, I’ll still be doing my usual monthly bible study for patrons in December. We have our November one coming up - on the first letter of John and the Incarnation - and then in early December, Bible Study VIP Patrons will be voting on the topic for December. Not a patron? Hop over to www.patreon.com/joanmwatson to find out more. No matter when you sign up, you can access our past studies, too!
In a few hours, I’m heading to Atlanta to give a talk I’m very excited about - Saints Right Where We Are. I’m excited to meet two people who have been friends via email- but we’ve never met in person! Randy Hain and Deacon Mike Bickerstaff gave me a shot at writing many, many years ago - writing every week for their website Integrated Catholic Life. They took a chance on me, and I can honestly say it has opened doors and changed my life in a very good way. I still write every Friday, and tonight I finally get to meet my friends in person.
It’s my first time giving this particular talk, but it was so enjoyable to write that I can see it easily becoming my favorite talk to give. Right now that place is held by my talk Loving the Unloveable Church. Think your diocese/parish/apostolate needs to hear these messages? I’m currently booking talks all over the United States for the spring! Reach out on my website here and let’s make it happen!
And, if my mention of Lent earlier made you start thinking about next spring, well, I know what you should do for Lent. You should come on my Station Church Pilgrimage in Rome. Details here.
Have a wonderful feast of Christ the King - and see you in Advent!
Hi Joannie, I really enjoyed your talk today on 1 John!! Makes me think, When will we ever learn???
Your link for your advent study takes me to the Amen App information?
I went ahead and ordered the study booklet even though I am a patron. No worries!
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you!
Peace, Nelson Little