The hopes and fears of all the years...

Ah the Madonna will have joy this Christmas - she is plugged in, she is connected! She must have been "nice" -got her i-pod!

It is more blessed to give than receive - time, positive regard, attention, space, understanding, compassion, a hand up when someone has fallen, listening, stopping to think, consider, act.

Connections are crucial - rooted in God, clothed with the graces of Christ - issuing in a grateful heart - healing words, hopeful words.

The gift of self, not comparing with others, but being present with others. Life-affirming, not avoiding, not fixing, but being present - incarnation, immanuel, Hopes and fears met in Jesus, thanks be to God!