Introduction

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series revisiting the women doctors of the church with a discussion on hope through the life of St. Catherine of Siena. We discuss the virtue of hope, receiving and sharing Christ’s light in the darkness, and tips for making room for Christ this Advent season. We pray that you would receive the deep love of God as we begin this time of preparation for the birth of our Savior. For further listening, check out Restore the Beauty, a five part series on the women doctors of the church from Season 4 and be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Be Restored: Healing Our Sexual Wounds through Jesus’ Merciful Love - Dr. Bob Schuchts

Michelle’s one thing - Seeing Christmas - Karen Stacy

Heather’s one thing - Advent Playlist on Spotify

Other Books Mentioned - Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas - Ann Voskamp

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from today’s episode? 
2. Does your life, your marriage, your family, your church, or your small group proclaim good news to the world? And if not, why? What needs to be redeemed or restored?
3. Are you living a life rooted in hope? Where can you be light in the darkness for others? 
4. How can you make room for Christ this Advent season? 

Journal Questions:

1. How do you need “the Madman” to love you madly in the season of Advent this year?
2. Are there any particular fasts the Lord may be calling you to this Advent to create room for him in your heart?
3. What does the Holy Spirit want to birth or make new in you during this season of Advent?

Quotes to Ponder: 

“The love of Christ embraces all without exception. Fire of love, crazy over what You have made. Oh, divine Madman.” - Saint Catherine of Siena 

Scripture for Lectio Divina:

The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion. To bestow on them a crown of beauty, instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. - Isaiah 61:1-3

This episode is sponsored by Kingdom Builders. Our sponsor for today’s episode is Kingdom Builders. If you have always felt welcome in church or never felt welcome in church. If you’ve never had a child, have many children or you long for a child. Single, married, divorced, or widowed. Young, old, rich or poor. A believing Christian or an atheist. If your life is a sinful mess or full of purity or anywhere in between, Kingdom Builders has something for you. Kingdom Builders creates opportunities for holy encounters for women. To learn more about Kingdom Builders and their latest project My Father’s Garden, go to BuildingThroughHim.com