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Happy Hanukkah

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and in our jingle-belling hearts and our hap-happiest TV ads, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But this year, Americans of all faiths concerned with preserving their religious liberties ought to join us Jews and celebrate a bit of Hanukkah. . . . . Continue Reading »

Nolde’s “Heilige Nacht” (1912)

Mary’s long white armslift the baby high above her head.He is seated in her palms, a pose precarious—his head droops, an eerie portent of the cross. Through the open doorway shepherds mosey closer with their crooks. The mule slobbers grain from the trough. Blue shadows ring Joseph’s eyes. . . . . Continue Reading »

Christmas Sonnet

My oldest son worked hard to rake the leavesInto a corner of our yard. Proud to proveWhat all his sweat and effort had achieved,He took my hand, suggesting where he’d moveThe rest tomorrow, to be burned. I gaveFive dollars for the work, advising oneTo spend, one to tithe, the other three, to . . . . Continue Reading »

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