Christmas in Bethlehem

Just been having an online conversation with a Portuguese friend who became a mother this year: 

No Christmas in Bethlehem this year, she says, nor can there be. Not while the indiscriminate bombing of so many, many Babes continues. She sends a painting of the Nativity (by Kelly Latimore), as above in card from friends, except Mary is weeping, Joseph looks desperate, and all around them, buildings are exploding and tumbling.

We agree that we will appreciate what we have all the more, but the sadness will be in the background of our celebrations.

That's all I'll say about that. 

Gratefuls:
- for so very, very much, but especially for hope
- a really lovely time with Luís, our architect (and his 6yr old nephew); he has taken our small project into his heart, and they both enjoyed trying a mince pie for the first time
- Monsaraz looking stunning, as we went to deliver more mince pies tonight to folk (will put photos of the Nativity figures there on my WhatsApp status)

Meanwhile, here on Blip, why don't you send a little gift to our fellow blipper, Max, whose home was destroyed in Ukraine, easy to do, here, where they are now on their 668th day of being bombed.