In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai draws us into the mystery of the Nativity as a moment of profound light shining in darkness. From the difficult journey to Bethlehem to the silence of the manger, we see how God enters the world without spectacle, yet with infinite love. Through Scripture and sharing the witness of the saints, Fr. Eric helps us examine whether our own hearts have become a place truly fit for a King.

Listen now to reflect on:

• The mystery of Christ choosing poverty and humility at his birth
• Mary and Joseph’s quiet faith amid hardship and rejection
• What it means to “make room” for Christ in our interior life
• The Nativity as a call to conversion and simplicity of heart
• How Advent prepares us to welcome Christ more fully at Christmas
• Welcoming Christ more intentionally this Christmas season.

Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series.

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In the fourth meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to accompany the Magi on their long, hope-filled journey to Bethlehem. Attentive to the mysterious star and guided through moments of clarity and darkness, the wise men reveal what it means to seek Christ with perseverance, humility, and faith. Through art, Sacred Scripture, and the Magi’s lived experience, Fr. Eric shares how God guides each of us—sometimes through brilliance, sometimes through obscurity—toward the manger.

Listen now to reflect on:
• How to follow God’s light even when it seems distant or obscured.
• What the Magi teach us about discernment, perseverance, and trust.
• How darkness, confusion, and uncertainty can still draw us closer to God.
• The unity of shepherds and the Magi before the Child in the manger.
• How the Magi teach us to forgive, to trust, and to keep moving toward God.

Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series.

View Transcript
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THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Let us know that our podcast is important to you:

• Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.
• Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org

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In this third meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Though they appear to be secondary figures in the Nativity story, their recognition of the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes a powerful revelation: the newborn Jesus is the true Lamb of God, the light shining in the darkness, and God-with-us.
As we follow their humble faith and joyful haste toward the manger, we ask for hearts ready to recognize Christ’s presence with the same simplicity and awe.

Listen now to reflect on:
• The shepherds’ unique role in caring for sacrificial lambs, and how this prepared them to recognize Jesus.
• The symbolism of the swaddling clothes and what they revealed about Christ’s mission.
• The contrast between earthly poverty and the glory of God’s revelation.
• Why the shepherds became the first evangelizers after encountering the Child.
• How their humility, attentiveness, and readiness to adore can shape our Advent prayer.

Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series.

View Transcript
Visit Show Page

Support the show

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Let us know that our podcast is important to you:

• Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.
• Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org

Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: Give today!