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Dec 24, 2022Liked by Robert Callahan

Thank you thank you for thiese profound observations. There is nothing about Jesus’ conception and birth that isn’t nice, neat, gentle or mild. It is a scandal, challenging every sensibility of the past few centuries. It’s been years since we’ve had a tree, but we do celebrate Christmas Eve or day with our church and exchange a comparatively few number of gifts with family,NO BIG LETTERS, and nay handmade cards or small gifts with close friends. The commercialism of the season is sickening to my husband and I, especially the car commercials! But I’ve grown to love Advent, it’s new start of the church yer and call to consider the season, the kairos of our lives and the world. Old wounds and losses f loved ones not long before Advent and one on C(ristmas night (in church no less) have left me melancholy, but I hope, not cynical or bitter. Just realistic, more contemplative but asking what the condition of the world will be next year, and wondering how we, the church, will be lamenting. It’s not a dualistic choice: we can lament the violence, hate and injustice of our world that seems to be running off the rails (while we wrestle with God and fight the seasonal depression and anxiety, especially of the last few years),;and still “celebrate” our Lord’s coming with a deep joy and peace that I hope will be increasingly transformative as I enter these “older years.” (BTW , I’m in the hospital over Christmas- had back surgery yesterday. My goal is to cooperate with PT and OT for an uneventful recovery and to build up strength— physical and spiritual.) May you know the joy of Jesus Christ at this Christmastide!

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Dec 24, 2022Liked by Robert Callahan

Thank you for the vulnerability. I see you.

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Dec 23, 2022Liked by Robert Callahan

I sat reading and crying at the reminders of loss, but was also reminded that He is here. Not only here, but loving in the midst of loss, pain, and loneliness. Thank you for that reminder. 💜

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