Considering how crucial women are to the Advent period and Christmas, it is wonderful to remember anew their example of faithful expectation; and their insights about what the coming baby represented. Christmas celebrates the bold faithfulness of lowly women – a teenage girl and an older woman. Elizabeth is introduced at the beginning of Luke’s … Continue reading God’s abundant love at Christmas
Tag: Christmas
Mary’s gaze
During Advent we get to ponder the women in the Christmas story - Mary and her older cousin, Elizabeth, (as well as the five women named in Jesus’s genealogy). And Dürer painted the mystery and touching faith of these women.
What does Joy look like this Christmas
In a year dominated politically by uncertainty, rancour and lies, I want to end the year with joy. Joy is promised by the angels in Bethlehem to the shepherds. You may be a bit surprised by my joy list – it’s not exactly toe-tapping happiness. But it hints at the deep abiding hope and … Continue reading What does Joy look like this Christmas
A non-passive madonna
I love art galleries – wandering in the muted light and stillness, amazed by the liveliness or colour or beauty of an artist’s imagination. My favourite places are the small gems – the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge, the Frick in NY, or the glory of the Frank Lloyd Wright room at the Met. Or places like … Continue reading A non-passive madonna
The power of a touch
Touching is out of fashion. It is seen as predatory. No-one seems to know what is acceptable so there is a blanket ban.
Decisions to enjoy
Sometimes we seem to have far too many decisions to make and it can be unsettling. We long for black and white choices.