In our Advent/Christmas issue you will find a traditional Radix variety–with flavors of hope infusing all. Essays cover a good deal of breadth, too. These include the sage advice of George MacDonald on story; ponderings on carols and theology; reflective and instructive thoughts from a spiritual director on this strange 2020 year; five Christmastime book suggestions from a beloved bookseller; a look at Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago; a warming tale and reflection on “Shirley, Goodness and Mercy;” a review of a timeless movie, Joyeux Noel (2005); some carefully reasoned perspectives on conspiracy; and finally, two heartfelt (and meaningful!) perspectives from Palestine Christmastime.
G.K. Chesterton once said, “There is a law written in the darkest of the Books of Life, and it is this: If you look at a thing nine hundred and ninety-nine times, you are perfectly safe; if you look at it the thousandth time, you are in frightful danger of seeing it for the first time.” In general, seeing things with fresh eyes requires a different perspective. In these days of Covid-19 we are nearly forced to do that. In these trying Covid-19 times, we have been forced to see things in a new light; sometimes that has resulted in a new appreciation for what, previously, we took for granted as normal.
In her Notes from the Catacombs, the introduction to each new Radix issue, Sharon Gallagher, our esteemed founding editor, famously signed off with the word “Peace.” During this Advent and Christmas season, peace has taken on a new meaning for many of us. Not only do we need it more than ever, but we can see that we all need it. Thank Christ that along with faith and love, there is also that third thing: hope. And Christmas is certainly a season that calls and longs for hope. The hope of change. The hope of better things. And so, Notes from the Catacombs will once again sign off with “peace.” Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.