And so the journey ends. So the Advent season – always an abstraction, always a projection – ends. The long night ends and a new day begins. The manger was always a symbol. Shall we be born again in our shared heart? Can we even begin to understand what that means? Do we need to?Continue reading “In Christmas Time”
Author Archives: Sean
Advent Travels: Out of Bethlehem and Into the Desert
0 In a dream last night, we reached Bethlehem. There were pilgrims everywhere. Do you know which Inn? Are we too late? Some of us had gifts, some of us were hoping to get a gift. The vibe was happy mostly, mostly festive. It was chaotic but in a family reunion kind of way. EverybodyContinue reading “Advent Travels: Out of Bethlehem and Into the Desert”
Advent Travels: When in Doubt
The furnace broke last night, coldest night of the year. We were up after midnight for hours seeing if we could jump-start it, and ended up just giving everybody extra blankets. The house is very cold today. My fingers are numb typing. I stop every few sentences, grab the coffee mug with both hands, andContinue reading “Advent Travels: When in Doubt”
Advent Travels: Admitting the Wound
Yesterday it snowed a little as the sun set: prismatic flurries tracing faded planes of light down western hills slowly darkening. I stood shivering on the front porch, breathless and grateful, now and then remembering to take a sip of coffee. I cannot bear the loveliness sometimes; I cannot compass the love the loveliness reflects.Continue reading “Advent Travels: Admitting the Wound”
Advent Travels: Waiting for Her
0 Today is winter solstice. In my little town we’ll have daylight just over nine hours. This summer it was closer to fifteen. Now, going forward, instead of darkening, the world becomes a little lighter and warmer. Things will grow differently; they will create differently. More of my ancestors celebrated solstice than Christmas. But whenContinue reading “Advent Travels: Waiting for Her”
Advent Travels: Behind the Barn
Reading Humberto Maturana taught me that love was not a feeling but a state of being, a way of giving attention to life that was creative and nurturing, that was, in and of itself, life-giving. Through Maturana I discovered that love was inherent and fear alien, and that it was possible to be happy inContinue reading “Advent Travels: Behind the Barn”