36 Comments
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Megan Sciarrino's avatar

Love traveling with you, Shannan. Thank you for sharing Molly with us. The stars are out there! May the skies ever orient us with frames. 💛✨💛✨

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Thank you thank you thank you for being here with us. You speak my language.

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Shannon Christenson's avatar

The moments of beauty/insight/perspective from friendships that don't make sense on paper are legion! I, along with you and countless others, experienced my family's first unchurched Christmas this year. It was a relief in many ways. Yet it was filled with lament and a longing for a community of faith that upends power structures and welcomes without forcing assimilation. Pointing out Matthew's empathy for unexpected people to show up and adore Jesus is a spot on reminder for me to go and do likewise.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I don't know if you've watched The Chosen (we have watched some and really like it.) Its portrayal of Matthew has really helped me understand what an outsider he would have been among the other disciples.

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Julie Overpeck's avatar

Same here. I missed the corporate worship, but in other ways it was a relief.

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Coral Cochran-Bray's avatar

I am not a paid subscriber. I am however a loyal follower of many years. I am writing here, simply to tell you thank you. Your gift and style of what you share, hits. It hits in all the soft and hard places and I am grateful.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm so glad you're here with us! 💞

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Kim's avatar

Thank you for this journey. I was sitting in my favorite morning spot and thought, “what can I read this Epiphany?” I was delighted to find your email. I had forgotten that it was coming. Everything about this is beautiful and hopeful. Emmanuel stays. Light still shines.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Perfect timing!

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Jodi's avatar

Thank you for your words inviting us into advent this year. The epiphany reflection brought a tender tear to my eye. 🎁

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm so glad we got to do this together.

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Jennifer Horn's avatar

If your cowboy ever wants to wander southward, he would be welcome in our Lubbock, Texas home. We could make him right at home in that headgear!

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Mireya's uncle brought it from Mexico for him! 🥰

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Bobbi Collins's avatar

I savored every moment of this Advent series. I hope many more series are in your future. You are a guiding light who points us to the every day extraordinary that surrounds us.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I always feel like I've written all I can about Advent...but I surprised myself this year, so who knows! 😅

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Bobbi Collins's avatar

I think you could write a series on any topic and it would be well received. You have such a gift! It’s not just that you are a poetic wordsmith, but you make me think beyond the words and how I can apply them in life and in my community.

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Jennifer Vines's avatar

Fantastic. Every bit. And that link to that awesome article about the female Magi.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

‼️‼️‼️‼️ I'm so glad you clicked the link. That artwork alone!

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Cheryl Deckert's avatar

❤️❤️❤️thanks for this series!!!

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Sabrina's avatar

Thank you, Shannan. This series was so real. Quite possibly the most meaningful Advent/Epiphany devotional I’ve ever participated in. You have helped me to broaden my thinking and see God/Jesus in new ways. To see God in the faces of those around us is profound.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it. Thank you for being here and for the encouragement!

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Elizabeth Berget's avatar

Maybe one of my favorite things you've ever written. ❤️

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Ah, thank you!

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Gaye Lindfors's avatar

What a beautiful message. Your words are strung together so beautifully - they paint a picture. And the message you bring us is soup for the soul! Thank you for writing, Shannan. You make a difference. God bless and protect Molly.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Thank you for caring for Molly. And I love "soup for the soul"!

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Allison Polidor's avatar

Thank you, as always, for your words. I just listened to this while lying in bed with my sick kiddo, it was balm for our weary souls.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Rest well today, kiddos!

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Nancy's avatar

love this. like you said, we crowd the wise men instead of giving time to their visit. glad you and Molly have such a delightful friendship.

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Loretta's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful perspective on Advent.

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Lisa Hay's avatar

Thank you for this and this series! Yes, the light still shines! 🌟

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