Advent & Christmas

A collection of content centered on the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

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  • Why Almsgiving by Dr. Michael Barber

    Advent, the season in which we prepare for Christmas, is a penitential season. One of the key acts of penance that the Church recommends is almsgiving. But why? Citing the Old and New Testaments, the Catechism, and his own engaging personal stories, professor and author Dr. Michael Barber explain...

  • Expectant Mother Mary

    We are excited to announce our series of FORMED Now! Christmas and New Year special episodes. In these episodes, professors from the Augustine Institute Graduate School will lead us in reflections throughout the season from December 22nd through January 11th.

    FORMED Now! will return to its re...

  • Making Advent Great for Kids

    Dr. Tim Gray and Paul McCusker discuss how to help kids experience Advent as a joyful season of preparation for Christmas.

    Find The Best Advent Ever on Catholic.Market.

  • Celebrating Littleness this Advent Season

    When was the last time you stopped to notice little miracles in your life? Through the story of Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Elizabeth Tomlin shows us how little mustard seeds of faith can have significant impacts.

  • Tell Me About Your Advent Traditions

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    Professors of the Augustine Institute share some Advent traditions they have in the home to help us all live liturgically this Advent!

  • Yes, You Can Have a Restful Advent

    As mothers, the craziness of life can get in the way of moments of rest and renewal. In this video, Lindsay Schlegel offers three pieces of advice to incorporate moments of rest into the busyness of motherhood in any season, but especially in Advent.

  • Our Lady of Guadalupe | Sacred Art

    "Dr. Ben Akers and Taylor Kemp sit down with different pieces of Sacred Art to discuss their theological meanings and how they can speak to us today.

    View all episodes of Sacred Art.

    Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach Catholics worldwide. Become an Augustine Institute Mi...

  • Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe

    In 1531 Juan Diego found himself between two world, that of the Spanish conquerors and that of his own Aztec heritage. Because of his love for his people and his strong faith, Juan Diego turned to Jesus and His Mother, Mary for help in uniting his people. The answer to Juan Diego's prayers has be...

  • Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message

    The most important event in the evangelization of the New World occurred in December, 1531. Over the course of four days, the Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to an indigenous convert named Juan Diego. As a result of this encounter, and the image miraculously imprin...

  • Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego

    Dr. Ben Akers sits down with Dr. James Prothro to discuss Mary's apparition to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This important apparition played a historical role in the conversion of the Mexico to the Christian faith and the miraculous tilma worn by the ...

  • Advent: Rethinking the Season by Dr. Tim Gray

    Advent is an odd season. Unlike most other seasons, it’s a season that isn’t about itself, but is instead about preparing for Christmas. But that reality often gets lost in the shuffle and stress of trying to find all the right gifts, decorations, and dinner ingredients. In this Lighthouse Talk a...

  • Journey Through Advent: Cycle B by Bishop Robert Barron

    *NOTE: This talk follows Liturgical Cycle B but is still beneficial to listen to during Advent at anytime*

    Get the most out of Advent and Christmas by following along with Bishop Robert Barron's homilies as he unpacks the profound Scripture readings for Liturgical Cycle B.

    Advent Week 1: Is ...

  • Prepare the Way of the King by Dr. Scott Hahn

    Dr. Scott Hahn, one of the most eminent Catholic theologians in our country today, reveals what scholars now know about the shepherds, the mysterious Magi, and King Herod. Your Advent journey will take on new meaning as you prepare your heart for the birth of our Lord. This illuminating presentat...

  • Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting by Mary Francis

    "These Advent reflections by the abbess of a Poor Clare monastery, an accomplished spiritual writer, focus our attention on the coming of Jesus into our lives. There is a double movement to this coming: both our active preparation to be ready for him and our patient waiting for the Lord to arrive...

  • God Made Man by Fr. Shannon Collins

    In this Christmas-themed presentation, Fr. Shannon Collins sheds new light on the Biblical narratives of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as the beautiful Christmas traditions of the Church. Fr. Collins serves as a preacher of parish missions and retreat master. He has appeared on EWTN and has ...

  • Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego

    Follow the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her interactions with recently canonized St. Juan Diego. Juan was a simple peasant widower, completing his daily routines, when Our Lady, heavy with child, appeared over Tepeyac Hill in Mexico, and announced other plans for him. Listen to the story of...

  • Our Lady of Guadalupe by Luis Soto

    Many people have heard of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but few people know her story. In this talk, speaker and catechist Luis Soto (who himself was born and raised in Mexico) shares the little-known history and life-changing importance of Mary's appearance to a peasant man named Juan Diego, and the mi...

  • The Mystery of Christmas by Fr. Larry Richards

    In this inspiring talk, renowned preacher and retreat master Fr. Larry Richards illuminates how the true joy of Christmas is found in the greatest gift ever given—the gift of Jesus Christ to the whole world. With humor, compassion, and clarity, Fr. Larry gets to the heart of the true meaning of C...

  • True Meaning of Christmas | The Augustine Institute Show

    What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus? How did the celebration of Christmas become associated with things like Santa Claus and decorated trees? Dr. Tim Gray welcomes Dr. Michael Barber, professor of Theology and Scripture at the Augustine Institute, to discuss his new book that...

  • Epiphany Part 1: House Blessing | Catholic All Year w/ Kendra Tierney

    Let's talk about Epiphany, Part I: the Epiphany House Blessing! All you need are a door, some chalk, the prayers, and your people, and this ancient Epiphany tradition can be yours. Featuring Kendra Tierney of the blog and book Catholic All Year.

    Find a printable booklet of the Epiphany House Ble...

  • Epiphany Part 2: An Easy DIY King Cake | Catholic All Year w/ Kendra Tierney

    Let's talk about Epiphany, Part II! See how to make an easy DIY King Cake with canned cinnamon roll dough, a bundt cake pan, and some sprinkles. Plus learn how we crown our family King and Queen of Epiphany. Featuring Kendra Tierney of the blog and book Catholic All Year.

    Get a printable pdf boo...

  • Saint Nicholas: The Real Story

    Everybody knows the story of Santa Claus, the red–suited figure who lives at the North Pole and distributes gifts to good children every Christmas eve. But is there any historical evidence on which this jolly old character is based? Was there a real Santa Claus? To answer that question, host Mark...

  • 12 Things About The 12 Days of Christmas

    The 12 Days of Christmas: a classic carol we all know, love, and have no idea what it is about. Which, oddly enough, is the whole point of the song. It was written during the Catholic persecution in England as a code for children to remember their catechisms without getting arrested. Here are 10 ...

  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

    Recorded live at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, a group of incredibly talented seminarians performed their rendition of the traditional classical English Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Gather your friends & family, hot chocolate, and sing along!