Christmas

Its beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas around here. There is certainly nativity around here with Jacob suckling vigorously. Johanna can often be found "reading" her Christmas book on the couch and I must admit some pride of generativity when she says "there was no room for them in the inn" or "they were sore afraid." Finally, Doug is doing his best to be with those for whom there is not room. Life is slowing down for me, classes are done, and I am looking forward to some rest. Simeon is crying off his little head as I write....not wanting to take a nap.,
So, wailing, suckling, and the phrases of the Christmas story envelop us here.
We are attempting to carve out some Holy spots of contemplation... and yet... who knows if Christmas has ever been a time for contemplating ... getting forced around the country, counted, jostled, trying to make a birth in a stable work and then fleeing in the middle of night to Egypt. Doesn't sound too contemplative. So perhaps, it is ok that we work in our bits of awe, now and again, in the midst of bustling.