Advent is Our Time to Start the Ripple

Every December, our family watches the Saturday Night Live Christmas Special — the one with Jane Curtin, Jan Hooks, and Dana Carvey. One of our favorite skits is a parody commercial that begins, “It’s that time of year, when families get together to reopen old feelings. And Silver Bell Records is proud to present A Dysfunctional Family Christmas.”

Then come the “hits,” like The Almost Perfect Christmas: “Dinner is perfect, the presents are perfect, the tree in the parlor’s a perfect one. Then your brother yells at your mother. Christmas is ruined for everyone.”

Other favorites include Can’t You Let It Drop? It’s Christmas! and Why Am I the Only One Who Knows What Christmas Really Means?

It’s a hilarious skit — mostly because it hits a little close to home. Christmas, for all its beauty, can bring out our quirks and tensions. If you’ve ever been in charge of any part of a Christmas celebration, you know the pressure: getting everything done on time, seeing everyone you love, making the calls, sending the cards — all while staying “merry and bright.”

And just when you think you’ve got it together, life happens. The stomach bug hits your house, the cat knocks over the tree, you drop a jar of pickles on your toe, and then your brother yells at your mother — and suddenly “Christmas is ruined for everyone.”

And yet… this is the season of peace and good will. As best I can tell, peace starts in the heart and moves outward — rippling like a stone dropped into still water. Advent is our time to start the ripple.

If you’ve visited Well, you already know how to begin: a quiet walk on a crisp day, a deep breath, a pause, a whispered prayer. Each moment we choose gentleness over frustration, kindness over control, the circle widens.

Advent reminds us that peace doesn’t depend on perfect plans or unbroken ornaments; it’s born quietly, in ordinary hearts making room for extraordinary love. So during this sacred season, may we let go of what must be perfect — and welcome instead the One whose light still ripples through us and into our weary world.

Lea Slaton

Executive Director



In the years before this I worked at the Well of Mercy becoming part of a caring, loving family. I found this family praying for each other, sharing laughs, and taking care of each other. Over the years, cooking at the Well, I grew to care for guests and their families.

While I was out with my husband I received many sweet cards, lots of beautiful gifts, love and texts, from the Well staff, the volunteers and guests. I am so grateful for the love and prayers that I felt through this tough time.

I can say a big thank you to all the sweet people that were involved with the ice cream social. It turned out they ordered perfect weather, perfect people and perfect fun. 

Thank you all for allowing me time to socialize in my laid back way. To all of you: “You are Well Loved”!



Tammara   

~ December ~

~ January ~

~ Sold Out Retreat? Wait List Available ~

Advent Retreat: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

December 16-18, 2025 - $280-$380

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Wintering: The Art of Comfortably Slowing Down

January 14-17, 2026 - $450-$540

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The Sacred Themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Often the season of Christmas with celebration, gatherings and gift giving overshadows the season of Advent. As the days grow shorter and it appears as if everywhere there are jingle bells ringing, people rushing and calendar stuffing, Advent invites us to clear space-not in our calendars, but in our hearts. Instead of rushing toward what’s next, Advent calls us to slow down, take a sacred pause and pay attention to what is stirring in us. In the rhythm of the Church year, Advent marks the beginning—a season of preparation, reflection, and deep anticipation. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It invites us not only to look back to the birth of Christ, but also to lean forward into God’s promise of presence and renewal.

Themes of Advent

Hope

The first theme of Advent is hope—a quiet, steady hope. Our world often encourages us to base hope on circumstances. But Advent points us to a deeper source: God’s promised faithfulness. We light the first candle not because everything is perfect, but because the light is coming.

Peace

The second theme is peace—peace that surpasses understanding, peace that takes root long before it becomes visible. Advent peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the presence of God in the midst of it. It is a gentle reminder that we are not alone.

Joy

The third theme is joy—unexpected, radiant, and often surprising. True joy doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers. It reveals itself in moments of gratitude, in connection with others, and in the simple awe and wonder of ordinary days.

Love

The final theme is love. Advent love is not a Hallmark movie and merely a feeling; it is a way of being. It calls us to act with compassion, generosity, and openness—to be bearers of God’s love in the world.

Advent gives us permission to wait, to breathe, to listen and prepare our hearts. As we move through these weeks, may we welcome the stillness, make room in our hearts and find ourselves transformed by the hope, peace, joy and love that Advent brings. Don’t we need a little Advent right this very minute, we need a little Advent now. 

Connie Hoffner

Programming Director

Make an Impact This Year-End

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the ways God has worked through Well of Mercy—providing space for healing, hope, and connection for those we serve. Your support makes all of this possible, from retreats to prayerful programs, and care for our land and community.

Consider making a year-end gift to sustain our mission and help more people experience transformation and renewal. Every gift matters and carries God’s love to those who need it most.

Thank you for being part of God’s work here at Well of Mercy.

Well of Mercy's Core Values



Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, grounded in the spirit of hospitality, provides quiet sanctuary and time in nature for reflection, rest and renewal for those choosing sacred time apart, enriching their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.