Advent Reflection Day - The Christ-Haunted Christmas Carol

We are delighted to welcome Shemaiah González as the guide for this year’s Advent Reflection Day. A writer with degrees in English Literature, Intercultural Ministry, and Creative Non-Fiction, Shemaiah thrives at the place where storytelling, art, faith, and the human experience meet. Her work has appeared in America Magazine, Image Journal’s Good Letters, Ekstasis, The Curator, Loyola Press, and many others.

Her stories have traveled far — even reaching Pope Francis, who selected her reflection on her college professor for his 2018 book Sharing the Wisdom of Time. She has been recognized with Pushcart Prize nominations, Catholic Press Awards, and has served in roles ranging from CNF peer reviewer for Whale Road Review to contributing editor for The Curator. Her keynote, “May We Never Lose Our Sense of Wonder,” was featured at the Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature in 2024.

Saturday, December 6th, 2025 – 10am to 3:30pm

This year, Shemaiah will guide us through “The Christ-Haunted Christmas Carol,” a reflection that draws together elements of Dickens’ beloved story and the scriptural threads that echo its themes. Through this lens, we will explore how literature, faith, and the human longing for transformation meet in surprising and hope-filled ways. Shemaiah has shared that her own heart is singing as she talks through this theme with friends — and we are grateful to enter that joy with her.

Join us for a day of renewal, reflection, and community. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch, or join us for lunch with a donation of $20.