Article by: Vicky Alercia-Casella LPC
December 2025
Embracing Hope, Peace, Joy, & Love
During the month of December, I choose to celebrate the season of Advent, which focuses on hope, peace, joy, and love. Each morning, I read an excerpt from the book, “Advent at The Welcome Table”. For that moment, regardless of what is ahead of me for the day, I take a deep breath, ground myself, and embrace the beauty of the daily passage. Because I am aware that the holiday season isn’t necessarily a joyful time for everyone, I felt led to share a passage from this book with our community in hopes that it will provide brief moments of comfort for those who need to be reminded that they aren’t alone.
Each daily reading begins with “setting the table”- “Our days are busy, our minds are racing, our worries are overwhelming, our bodies are weary- we are tired. Come, all who are weary, and you will find rest. You are welcome at this table- come as you are, to bring all that is weighing on you, to pull up a chair, to rest, to find welcome, to experience the grace and renewal of simply being. Quiet your body. Still your mind. Open your soul. Know that in this moment you are seen, you are fully known, and you are loved.”
This passage is only the intro for the daily reading but there is so much beauty just in that. As I am learning about Lectio Divina in my spiritual direction courses, I will encourage you to read through this again and see what specific words speak to your heart and soul. Really lean into those words. For me, it’s about the freedom of showing up as you are, tired, vulnerable. This concept of rest and renewal sounds beautiful. I believe it’s a necessity that we all need, not just during the holiday season, but all throughout the year.
If you are feeling led to learn more to embrace the beauty of hope, peace, joy, and love as we are approaching a new year, reach out for connection for spiritual direction.
610-905-2153 or alerciav@yahoo.com
Sending you Light and Love,
Vicky Alercia-Casella LPC
Spiritual Direction student at Oasis Ministries
Vicky Alercia-Casella has built a remarkable career dedicated to the mental health and well-being of her clients. Her passion for helping others is evident in her diverse range of therapeutic services, which have continually evolved to meet the needs of her community. To learn more about Vicky Alercia-Casella and her counseling services visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/
