Weekly Outlook - Pope Francis asks theologians to ‘demasculinize’ the church

Dear Outlook readers,  I am a seasonal creature. I suppose I've known this for a while, but I've only recently embraced my waxing and waning energy. In the spring, I want to exercise and clean the house. In the summer, I want to volunteer at the community garden. But right now? I have an overpowering urge to read Cooks Illustrated magazine in my bed. I want to watch movies while I work on my paint-by-numbers kit. I want to listen to an audiobook and do a puzzle. I want two extra hours of sleep a night.  In "Wild Geese," Mary Oliver writes, "You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves." Identifying your needs and caring for them is a powerful intention. I'm not advocating for selfishness. There is much to see, care, learn and grieve in the world right now. But pay attention to your heart, too. Embrace slowness. Let the laundry pile up. Keep the dead mum in the planter outside. Eat leftovers.  As Matt Rich writes, "We all have 86,400 seconds a day and the challenge is to use them with intention." Maybe, like Matt, intentionality looks like volunteering to be in your daughter's ballet. But maybe it looks like postponing a chore so you can cross-stitch with your dog snuggled against your side. What does intentionality look like for you this season? In Christ, Rose Schrott Taylor Outlook digital content editor

Parties canceled. Celebrations toned down. Hanukkah won’t be the same this year by Yonat Shimron Identifying and sharing the mental load of pastoral work by Elana Keppel Levy Pope Francis asks theologians to ‘demasculinize’ the church by Claire Giangravé The manger and the inn: A Middle Eastern view of the birth story of Jesus by Ken Bailey In case you missed it... Elizabeth, Luke's Gospel, and Audre Lorde A feminist Advent reflection by Liz Cooledge Jenkins. How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen David Brooks pens "a deeply engaging book that reads like a guide to pastoral care, yet is equally applicable to professionals and caregivers..." writes Amy Pagliarella. Is there room for mysticism inside the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? Lydia Griffiths maintains there is rich diversity among Protestant religious thinkers when it comes to a transforming relationship with God. How the keffiyeh – a practical garment used for protection against the desert sun – became a symbol of Palestinian identity A scholar of immigrant communities and religious minorities in Europe shares the history that shaped the keffiyeh’s origins and its transformation as a symbol of Palestinian cultural and national identity. — Armin Langer Spiritual and moral thoughts on creating life Creating and sustaining life can look many different ways. Here's a list of books that can help birthing people and their pastors approach topics like surrogacy and infertility. — Amy Pagliarella and Quantisha Mason-Doll Dad, will you be in “The Nutcracker”? In an unexpected casting of Drosselmeyer, Matt Rich finds – in life and in ministry – the role you think you are going to play might not be the role you get. "Family Christmas Eve Service" by Jenny Lee  FREE for a limited time. Click to download.