In today’s Church Potluck Advent Calendar episode, we explore one of the most beautiful—and most misunderstood—Catholic celebrations: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Dr. Christy Snider joins us to clarify what this feast actually commemorates (spoiler: it’s not about Jesus’s conception) and to unpack the rich theology behind Mary’s own conception in the womb of her mother, Ann. Christie explains why Catholics believe Mary was preserved from original sin, how this fits into the broader story of redemption, and why the doctrine highlights God’s prevenient grace at work long before the Christmas story unfolds. Along the way, we talk about Mary as the “new Eve,” the purpose of holy days, and what Protestants might take from this feast as we prepare for Christ’s coming. It’s a thoughtful, accessible, and eye-opening conversation for Advent.
The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
