Monthly Archives: December 2013

The Neurological Infrastructure of Christmas

Posted on December 28, 2013 by hessd

I’ve been thinking for the last few days about believing in Santa Claus.  You might think that “neurological infrastructure” is a little too much for a piece about Christmas, but hold that thought until you are done.  If you still feel … Continue reading →

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He Said/She Said: the Two Narratives of the Birth of Jesus

Posted on December 15, 2013 by hessd

I have known for several decades that we have two accounts of the birth of Jesus.  It had not occurred to me until yesterday that one of them (Matthew) has Joseph in the foreground and Mary in the background, while … Continue reading →

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Nelson Mandela: An Educated Man

Posted on December 7, 2013 by hessd

Most of what matters to me most about Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, I learned from watching—over and over—Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Mandela in the movie Invictus.[1]  But in today’s New York Times coverage (here), I learned a little more about those … Continue reading →

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Christmas, not so much any more

Posted on December 3, 2013 by hessd

  More and more, as December begins, I find I am living in a time of Advent and less and less in a time of Christmas.  As I ponder why that is, I don’t begin with the idea that this change … Continue reading →

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