The truth of Christmas isn't the parties or presents, the carols or cookies. It's that God Himself has come to dwell among us, not just in a manger 2,000 years ago, but right here, right now. Scripture tells us: "Behold, the virgin shall bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel, which means God is with us." But how often are we too busy or distracted to notice God's presence?
This Avent, join our parish on Hallow as we journey through one of the greatest Christmas films of all time: It's a Wonderful Life. Over the 25 days leading up to Christmas, we'll walk with the film's main character, George Bailey, as he begins to open his eyes to the great beauty of his life and teaches us to do the same.
Sister Miriam will lead us in prayer throughout the challenge, joined each week by Christ Pratt, Jonathan Roumie, Gary Sinise, and Fr. John Burns as we walk through the film's most beloved scenes. Together, we'll follow George's story and discover what film director Frank Capra found to be at the center of the film: "There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see, and to see we have only to look. I beseech you to look" (Friar Fra Giovanni).
WEEKLY THEMES
Week 1: God is With Us with Christ Pratt and Sister Miriam
We'll ground ourselves in the radical truths of the Advent season: God is with us, He loves us, and He weaves all things together for our good ... even when we can't see it
Week 2: Our Plan with Jonathan Roumie and Sister Miriam
We'll recognize the way our own dreams and attachments often blind us to God's plans, His grace, and His providence. Each of us faces a choice - cling bitterly to what we want, or joyfully surrender to the Father, who loves us more than we could ever love ourselves.
Week 3: The Unraveling with Gary Sinise and Sister Miriam
When we choose not to surrender, striving and self-reliance lead to bitterness and resentment. Both rob us of joy and gratitude and eventually fill our hearts with bitterness and resentment, which often spills out onto those we love the most.
Week 4: Open Your Eyes with Fr. John Burns and Sister Miriam
Even when our hearts harden, God keeps working for our good and offers us opportunities to see His grace and providence. If we let Him pierce our hearts with His love, everything will change.
Join the Parish on Hallow Here! Join the Advent Challenge Here!
Pray with us on Hallow
Hallow - #1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep
If you are already on Hallow and are a subscriber…
1. Open the Hallow app
2. Navigate to the Community tab (bottom of screen)
3. Search for our parish by zip code or name and select Join
4. Start praying!
If you want to join Hallow for free…
1. Download the Hallow app and create an account
2. Navigate to the Community tab (bottom of screen)
3. Search for our parish by zip code or name and select Join
4. Start praying!
If you want to access all premium content with your parish discount…
1. Navigate to Hallow.com/Parish on your web browser (NOT IN APP!) and follow the prompts
2. Purchase a Hallow premium account with your parish discount.
3. Download or open the Hallow app
2. Navigate to the Community tab (bottom of screen)
3. Search for our parish by zip code or name and select Join
4. Start praying!
We have a dedicated team at Hallow providing technical support!
Need additional help getting set up?
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