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** Revisiting Rockwell
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While Thanksgiving in the US is an increasingly fraught holiday—both in terms of historical reckoning and dinner table conversation—my sincere wish is that you were able to experience rest, gratitude, and time with loved ones last week.

Before we fully turn the page from Thanksgiving to Advent and winter wonderlands, I am excited to share with you not one but two new essays about Thanksgiving. More specifically, two new essays that engage with an iconic Thanksgiving painting by Norman Rockwell (Freedom from Want). Julene Tegerstrand considers the painting’s original placement in the Saturday Evening Post ([link removed]) alongside an essay about injustice from Filipino activist Carlos Bulosan. Liz Charlotte Grant traces the transformation of Rockwell in his later years from conservative artist to progressive activist ([link removed]) .

But if you’ve already fully launched into December mode, we have content for you too! Our CC staff rolls out its annual list of recommended word-related gifts ([link removed]) , and Peter Marty explores the connections between Christmas peace and Christian militarism ([link removed]) . Our video of the week features Mary Barnett, who chats with me about her poignant lectionary essay and the nature of grief and goodbyes ([link removed]) .

Jon Mathieu
Email me (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Last%20week&body=Jon%2C%20) : How was your Thanksgiving week?
(Lunchtime chats temporarily disabled during holiday season!)
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** A tale of two Thanksgivings ([link removed])
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“From the start, Norman Rockwell’s Freedom from Want was meant to be in conversation with Filipino activist Carlos Bulosan’s reminder that freedom means little if some are kept from the table.”

by Julene Tegerstrand
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** Rockwell the activist ([link removed])
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“Why does it matter that one man changed his mind? I can only answer for myself: I’m struggling to hope that any American can change their mind about politics. The story of Norman Rockwell could not be clearer in this regard—a man who once idolized the politics of privacy and conservatism spent his influence in his late years rallying for Civil Rights, for nuclear disarmament, for the eradication of poverty.”

by Liz Charlotte Grant
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** Saying goodbye to a dear friend ([link removed])
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Mary Barnett chats with Jon about the nature of grief, the importance of goodbyes, and the blessedness of those who weep.
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** In the Lectionary for December 7 (Advent 2A) ([link removed])
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Even if repentance begins right now, it feels too late for anything to change.

by Liddy Barlow
Advent 2A archives ([link removed])
Get even more lectionary resources with Sunday’s Coming Premium, an email newsletter from the editors of the Christian Century. Learn more ([link removed]) .


** Gifts you can read ([link removed])
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Looking for some great gifts for the booklovers in your life? Here are the top recommendations from our editors and staff.

by the CC team


** I’m dreaming of a disarmed faith ([link removed])
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“If you’re as tired of this militant Christianity as I am, my word to you is simple: Christmas is waiting for you.”

by Peter W. Marty
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