A Storied Advent, Week 2 (Plus Five Fast Things)

It’s Monday, of the first week of Advent, and I have our second Advent story for you. This one focuses on the theme of repentance.

In case you missed it, yesterday I shared a reflection that wove together my thoughts on our first story, “Papa Panov’s Special Christmas” by Leo Tolstoy, as well as the readings for the first Sunday of Advent and a treasured memory of my mom before Alzheimer’s took hold of her. You can read it here if you’re a full subscriber (and if you’re not, it’s not too late to become one for 30 percent off the annual price of membership).

A few quick fun things for everyone first, though.

Five Fast Things

1. My family watched the movie version of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever this weekend (for the second time), and I can’t recommend it enough. I loved the book as a little girl, and I love this movie just as much. They do such a beautiful job of capturing the wonder of the Christmas story, the reality of redemption, and the faith of children. A little 80s nostalgia always warms my heart, too. Ten thumbs up from the Chapman family.

2. For those of you who’ve asked, I’ve unlocked my November Full Subscriber Only Essay, “The Siren Song of Anti-Semitism,” both the print and audio versions. It’s not a short read (or listen), so pour yourself a glass of something before you begin.

3. Counter surprised us with a different offer for Cyber Monday. The gift with purchase has gone away, but for today only, you can save 30 percent side wide and 35 percent on all holiday sets, including the brand new, just released Counterglow Travel Set.

4. This lecture by Michael Hanby on technology and truth is brilliant and sobering. It’s worthy of more than one listen.

5. If you’re still in need of Christmas wreaths and garlands, I highly recommend the offerings at Lynch Creek Farms. I’ve used and recommended them online for years, and this year, if you place an order before December 15 using my link, a portion of the sale will go towards tuition assistance for students at Hilltop Montessori.

Last Day to Order Books From Me In 2025

Today is the last day all books in my online bookshop are 15 percent off AND the last day this year to order copies of my books directly from me. All books will be signed by me, packed by Chris, and shipped to you by December 12. That means, barring acts of God and the US Postal Service, they will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.

After today, we’re putting the shop in “Vacation Mode,” so that we can focus on packing and shipping your orders, and then transition to preparing for Christmas and our pilgrimage to Rome! We leave December 26 and return January 4. The shop will re-open once we’re back.

And thank you, thank you, thank you to every one of you who has bought directly from us this year. It is exponentially more beneficial to my family when you shop with me instead of Amazon, and we so appreciate you taking the effort to do so!

Now, for this week’s short story.

A Storied Advent, Week 2