Monthly Archives: December 2018

Dec 24 – Christmas Eve, 1946, Marinette Wisconsin

This photo was taken, probably by my Dad, in 1946.  Dr. Redeman, a family friend, was Santa. He visited the homes of parents with children on Christmas Eve in our small town. Three of us four children sit in little … Continue reading

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December 23 – “O Emmanuel” the 7th and final O Antiphon

Tuesday, December 23  —   “my little heart loses its limits in joy” Advent ends today: three plus weeks of prophecy daring us to see the world, realistically,  as  beautiful and beloved.   That dare can shake us when Advent’s antiphons … Continue reading

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Dec 21 & 22 Antiphons 5 & 6

December 21 – winter solstice  Antiphon 5 Friday , December 21  –  O Oriens” At Detroit’s latitude we will have 9 hours and 3 minutes of daylight, 14 hours and 57 minutes of night time. Our shortest day. Today’s O … Continue reading

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Dec 20 – Antiphon # 4 – “O Key of David”

Thursday  December 20 “Come and lead us who sit bound with chains in the prison house” This morning I’ll be driving the Ohio Turnpike to a working class suburb down river from Pittsburgh, Baden.  Spending some of the days deepest into Advent … Continue reading

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Dec 19 – Antiphon # 3 “O Root of Jesse”

Wednesday,  December 19 Today’s Antiphon, “O Root of Jesse,” grew out of two Biblical texts recounting the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23 and Matthew 1:1).  Both versions locate the new born baby as Jesus, a human being, more than as … Continue reading

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Dec 18 O Antiphon # 2 – Robert Frost — sun or stars?

Tuesday, December 18  –  “to ease attention off when overtight” We are 4 days out from the winter solstice, (http://www.calendarpedia.com/when-is/winter-solstice.html).   But that’s for the future.  Now is a time to treat long nights with respect (today: sunrise 7:56 am … Continue reading

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Dec 17 – the first day as Advent folds toward Christmas O Antiphon # 1 – – “O Sapientia” (O Wisdom)

Monday December 17  — “It is the 3 strange angels . . . ” The “O Antiphons” are one of the few song sets from the seven monastic liturgical hours.  Their poetry and song bring Advent wisdom to bear on this … Continue reading

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dec 14 “two starlings dancing” a summer poem blooming in December, like a daffodil in a snow drift William Carlos Williams

Friday, December 14 “that’s what got me to face into the wind’s teeth” I woke this morning with a taste of joy on my tongue, that despite a gaggle of angry news competing for time as we work our commitments. … Continue reading

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Dec 12 – Remembering Bill Pauly, sj – who died suddenly on Nov 29, 2006 age 59

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 “have a cup of tea and rejoice” These days of Advent — 4 weeks that dare us to imagine hope without denying violence, loss, and fear. Year by year, they stir my blood and fill me … Continue reading

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December 10 dates I remember

Monday, December 10, 2018 Over the years on my birthday, Dec 10, 1939; I’ve noticed some dates — one birth – Emily Dickenson in 1830, 3 deaths, and the Nobel Peace Prize award today in Stockholm. Here are three death … Continue reading

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