In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary's quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us.

Friends, we've deeply enjoyed journeying with you this year. As we take a break, please know you are in our prayers. We will see you on January 19th, 2026 when Season 18 begins! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!

Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together staff: Camille, Kate, and Kristina!

Heather's Other One Thing - The Sisters of Life new St. Francis convent in Steubenville

Heather's Third One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday's Edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Our listeners and Patreon supporters. Thank you!

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Philosophy and Healing (with Fr. Matthew Rolling) from the Restore the Glory Podcast

Michelle's One Thing - The beauty of the different religious orders!

Finally, we arrive at the Stable — the poorest of places, and yet, the holiest of all.

Here, in straw and silence, the Infinite takes on skin. The cry of a newborn splits the night open, and suddenly, everything is sacred again

The invitation into the mess

Into our own poverty…

The cry of our humanity …

Worship is not what we think it will look like.

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Nativity Painting by Caravaggio
Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You by Dr. James Friesen

Journal Questions:

Where do I find myself in "unsatisfactory condition"?
What are the scandalous places within me that I want to keep away from the Lord?
How am I managing my own creativity rather than welcoming the Holy Spirit into my creativity?
What beliefs am I carrying deeply about God? How does God want to heal these beliefs?
Where am I afraid?
How can I make space for Jesus and spend time with Him in this Christmas season?

Discussion Questions:

How are you tempted to sanitize the Mystery of the Incarnation in your own life?
Where in my life do I need a new perspective?
When have you experienced God coming to you in a way you weren't expecting Him to?
How am I seeking control in this season? How can I surrender that control?
What are the stables of my life that God is inviting me into deeper surrender?

Quote to Ponder:

"I am so glad Jesus was born in a stable, because my soul is so much like a stable. It's poor and in unsatisfactory condition - Yet, I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can be born in me." (Dorothy Day)

Scripture for Lectio:

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7)

Sponsor - Fully Mediterranean:

Our sponsor today is Fully Mediterranean, a company dedicated to helping people discover the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, a way of eating and living that is both deeply nourishing and beautifully simple. At Fully Mediterranean, they believe that good health and good food go hand in hand—and that both of these begin in the same place: around the table, where we slow down, gather, connect, and are reminded of God's goodness in the everyday moments of life. It's where we feed not only our bodies, but also our relationships. And it's often where we rediscover joy, connection, and presence.

Fully Mediterranean was built on a mission to help people discover a simple, nourishing way of eating and living—a way that brings peace, beauty, and balance into everyday. Their approach is not about pressure or perfection. It's about gently integrating habits that help you live fully, with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness that aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith.

What makes the Mediterranean lifestyle so special is that it's not just a way of eating; it's a way of living. It's a lifestyle shaped by mindfulness, by community, and by gratitude. It's about slowing down, savoring what God provides, and sharing meals with the people He places in our lives. It's about choosing foods that nourish the body He entrusted to us—vibrant vegetables, wholesome grains, fresh herbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats—while also embracing the joy and connection that come from preparing and enjoying meals with others.

Fully Mediterranean provides practical, realistic tools, guidance, and inspiration to help you bring these values into your kitchen and everyday life. Through recipes, programs, workshops, and practical nutrition guidance, we help women simplify healthy eating, feel confident in the kitchen, and rediscover the joy that comes from preparing meals that are both good for the body and soul-satisfying.

In a world filled with noise, pressure, and quick fixes, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers something gentler and more grounded—an invitation to live intentionally, joyfully, and wholeheartedly. It encourages us to choose foods that honor the bodies God created, to gather more often with the people we love, and to find celebration in simple, nourishing routines.

Whether you're looking to support your long-term health, gain energy for your daily responsibilities, or create more meaningful rhythms in your home, Fully Mediterranean is here to guide you every step of the way. We want to help you build a lifestyle that supports your well-being and draws you closer to living the full, abundant life God desires for you.

Because at Fully Mediterranean, we believe that when you nourish your body well, you nourish every part of your life. And when you gather at the table with gratitude, intention, and love, you reflect God's goodness in the most natural, beautiful way.

If you're ready to bring more peace, health, and joy into your kitchen—and your life—we invite you to explore all that Fully Mediterranean offers. Discover delicious recipes, practical tips, and inspiring resources designed to help you integrate the Mediterranean way of living into your daily routine with ease and grace.

Join us and use the code Abidingtogether20 to receive 20% off any of our products, including our course, ebooks and Substack membership. Join the 30-day Mediterranean challenge starting January 1st for just $8. Visit us at www.fullymediterranean.com, Substack: fullymediteranean.com.substack.com and @fullymediterranean

Chapters:

00:00 Fully Mediterranean

01:37 Intro

02:30 Welcome to the Stable

05:56 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

07:12 The Poverty of Our Hearts

11:26 Surrendering the Messy Parts of Our Lives

15:30 Healing Our Image of God

19:31 What it Means to Ponder

21:37 Making Space in the Midst of a Busy Season

28:27 Season 18 Announcement!

28:58 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

S17 E15 - The Four Places of Advent: The Stable (Part 4)