It seems that every year-end, when the word “resolutions” comes up, some self inside me sends out a whispering pulse: You should be writing more. In response, the voice I more readily identify as my self responds: I’m not really one for resolutions, but I’ll make some effort at writing regularly. Of course, on such a non-committal foundation, the aim […]
Month: December 2015
Conjuring the Spirit of the Season
The absence of Christmas spirit is a presence in my home. I skipped out on the normal mantel decorations. I didn’t even take the stockings out of storage. My gift wrapping is minimal and sloppy. I just haven’t been able to tap into the spirit of the season. In a world celebrating a season of merriment, music, and memory-making, […]
Christian (Anti-)Materialism
![Christian (Anti)Materialism - [Literate Theology]](https://kateraedavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/christian-antimaterialism-1.jpg)
‘Tis the season for decking the halls, listening to carols, and trying to manage the expectations and social norms of gift-giving. In recent years, I’ve noticed increasing discussion on wanting Christmas to be less materialistic and more focused on Jesus, most often applied to gift-giving. One trend is this gifting rhyme: “One thing they want, One […]
On Prayer & Policy-Making
The divide is growing. In the wake of another mass shooting, the US has entered a now familiar liturgy: people demand changed policies; politicians offer prayers; nothing changes. This time, rather than placating constituents, the prayers of politicians has been met with backlash. The New York Daily News released a bold cover: “God Isn’t Fixing This.” On […]
Gratitude for Hidden Things
As we transition into the advent season, I find myself full of gratitude and grief for the hidden things — the emotions, experiences, remembrances, and hopes that are invisibly working and growing inside myself. I am grateful for the rhythms and rituals of the season. Many of my rituals are familiar across the country: a Thanksgiving meal with gathered friends, a trip outside […]