Christmas this year is arriving amid shock and tears. The images of devastation wrought by at least 22 tornadoes slashing their way through Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois are etched in our national consciousness.

We aren’t ready for Christmas, but Easter’s in the bag.

When grandchildren who have been living together for years without being married come to visit, do I put them in separate bedrooms? People laugh at me for this, but I have a real problem: Is living together no longer a sin? (Sorry — I can’t move on from my upbringing.) (City and state withheld)

When I mentioned that I was participating in two Yankee gift swaps this week, my family didn’t sound that enthusiastic.

If we already believe that God, having existed outside of space and time before eternity, created the universe, does actually seeing the big bang or the earliest galaxies make a difference?

“This truly was an amazing accomplishment, proving that with hard work, tenacity, collaboration and a little luck, we can reach stars,” said Clare Hoerl, art and STEM teacher at St John School.

Whether we have recognized how God is at work in our lives or missed some of the clues, Jesus will be waiting for us to come running to meet him in the manger on Christmas morning.

This is always one of the busiest, most wonderful weeks for our family, so I have lots to share in 7 Quick Takes.

In these trying times, one can only wonder what Sister Thea, an unapologetic champion of Black life, mothers, families and social equality, might say about the current state of our bitterly divided nation and church.

Sometimes God taps you gently on the shoulder.