Angels, shepherds, Magi from the East and others from the birth stories of Jesus point us to a great breakthrough, which many of us celebrate tonight and tomorrow. The Nativity launched many threads of history, including Nicholas of Myra, Clement Clarke Moore, Haddon Sundblom, and Gene Autry.
Today, my mind is on a Bethlehem thread that’s perhaps lesser known among Americans. It’s athread of universality from Jesus to Francis of Assisi to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. From Ursula King’s reflection on the universality of Teilhard, via the Center for Action and Contemplation:
His vision of the dignity of human life embedded in the larger web of cosmic life, his emphasis on global responsibility, action and choice in shaping the future of humanity on our planet, and the need for life-affirming spiritual goals can inspire people of all beliefs and none. For Christians Teilhard de Chardin is a remarkable, shining example of creative Christian renewal that believes in life, affirms life as a task to be done, a work to be achieved, and celebrates life as a most precious and wonderful gift to be loved and experienced as a sign of the Spirit who sustains us all.
Being part of the WordPress community of bloggers has introduced me to a creative group of writers and artists, including Alchemy, a blogger from Nova Scotia whose art is sculpture, specifically raku pottery. This piece, entitled “Convergence,” invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness and potential of all things big and small.
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