The Unholy Family of Christmas (Part 4)

Though parents are not likely to name their newborn girl Tamar, Rahab, or Bathsheba, an appealing romance clings to the name Ruth. Given the extensive use of her name, is Ruth then the story of a woman living according to the norms of middle American values? Is she an exception to Matthew’s interest in choosing women for Jesus’ family tree who break the rules of what is proper? Hardly. Her story fills the four chapters of the little Old Testament book that bears her name. There we can read the tale of a foreign woman who challenges norms and uses erotic powers to assure financial stability for her and her mother-in-law.

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The Unholy Family of Christmas (Part 1)

Artists depict the holy family of Christmas on everything from cards to pieces hung in galleries. One pose that has may variations shows Joseph standing with a staff and looking over Mary’s shoulder. Both of them are focused on their newborn lying in a manger. The scene is iconic and conveys a holy hush.

Mothers and fathers everywhere are photographed similarly holding their newborn in adoration and quiet amazement at this new life now in their lives. Though these poses also hold a sense of the sacred, only Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are called “the holy family.”

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Simple Living Works! #1—What's Happened to Simple Living?

In this issue: What’s Happening to Simple Living? | Who We Are, What We’re Not, What To Expect | Simple Living free VIDEO | What Is Simple Living? | Simple Enough blog | Celebrating Halloween Simply

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