Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
@mthrjo.bsky.social
Priest, mediaevalist, geek, Scot. All views personal. She/ her
Pinned
My first bird of the year 2026 is:
Wood pigeon
Wood pigeon
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
I think Mamdani really hit a nerve with the reactionaries this time. Absolute crack pipe take to say that the sacraments of the Church are individualistic. Not a single one of the sacraments is individualistic. Hell is full of individuals though.
January 4, 2026 at 4:41 AM
I think Mamdani really hit a nerve with the reactionaries this time. Absolute crack pipe take to say that the sacraments of the Church are individualistic. Not a single one of the sacraments is individualistic. Hell is full of individuals though.
One of the most maddening things about our current government is the way that they seem to think that if you find the right ambiguity of framing, they can continue to have it both ways and be everyone’s friend indefinitely.
Darren Jones is asked if the US bombing Venezuela & abducting its leader was lawful
Jones says he won't give a view on the action & he goes on to say its not up to politicians to make judgements on international law. Phillips points out thats exactly what they've done on Ukraine
Jones says he won't give a view on the action & he goes on to say its not up to politicians to make judgements on international law. Phillips points out thats exactly what they've done on Ukraine
January 4, 2026 at 1:19 PM
One of the most maddening things about our current government is the way that they seem to think that if you find the right ambiguity of framing, they can continue to have it both ways and be everyone’s friend indefinitely.
A depressing one for those of us #ClergyWhoCycle
“It is our painful duty to record the sudden death of the Rev. FIELDING OULD, M.A., late Vicar of Staleybridge. The deceased gentleman was riding his [penny farthing] when he swerved to make room for a [horsedrawn] lorry, and in doing so fell under the wheels.”
January 4, 2026 at 1:10 PM
A depressing one for those of us #ClergyWhoCycle
House blessed for Epiphany (transferred - we’re off on a little trip)
January 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM
House blessed for Epiphany (transferred - we’re off on a little trip)
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Pondering starting an officially licensed Betteridge's Law Judge course, so for just £1000 I train you so that you too can answer question headlines with the word "No".
January 4, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Pondering starting an officially licensed Betteridge's Law Judge course, so for just £1000 I train you so that you too can answer question headlines with the word "No".
Normally I’m slightly wary of columns that boil down to “stuff my kid said,” but I absolutely make an exception for this, because a) who better to ask about children’s books than a child and b) it’s a lovely, funny read.
My 7yo son is such an inveterate bookworm that pals regularly ask me for reading recommendations which might get their kids - especially boys - reading too.
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Book of the year? Ask my son | The Observer
He considers Bunny Vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business to be ‘the best yet’ in the cartoon series
observer.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Normally I’m slightly wary of columns that boil down to “stuff my kid said,” but I absolutely make an exception for this, because a) who better to ask about children’s books than a child and b) it’s a lovely, funny read.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
My 7yo son is such an inveterate bookworm that pals regularly ask me for reading recommendations which might get their kids - especially boys - reading too.
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Book of the year? Ask my son | The Observer
He considers Bunny Vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business to be ‘the best yet’ in the cartoon series
observer.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 11:13 AM
My 7yo son is such an inveterate bookworm that pals regularly ask me for reading recommendations which might get their kids - especially boys - reading too.
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
So this week, I turn the reins of my column to the man himself, so he can give you his BOOKS OF THE YEAR.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
The obstruction of justice is a key US export under Trump. He has attempted to interfere in the criminal trial of Jair Bolsonaro, tried to get charges dropped against Benjamin Netanyahu and is tightening the screws on the International Criminal Court. www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘It’s surreal’: US sanctions lock International Criminal Court judge out of daily life
Canadian judge Kimberly Prost is unable to use credit cards, transfer money or book everyday services in what she calls an attack on the independence of the judiciary
www.irishtimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:31 PM
The obstruction of justice is a key US export under Trump. He has attempted to interfere in the criminal trial of Jair Bolsonaro, tried to get charges dropped against Benjamin Netanyahu and is tightening the screws on the International Criminal Court. www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, * bound fast in misery and iron;
Psalm 107.10 (Book of Alternative Services, page 853)
Psalm 107.10 (Book of Alternative Services, page 853)
January 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, * bound fast in misery and iron;
Psalm 107.10 (Book of Alternative Services, page 853)
Psalm 107.10 (Book of Alternative Services, page 853)
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Escaping from the miseries of the real world into a preposterous fantasyland where Western governments recognise that the Russians are our out-and-out enemies and actually fucking do something about it.
January 3, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Escaping from the miseries of the real world into a preposterous fantasyland where Western governments recognise that the Russians are our out-and-out enemies and actually fucking do something about it.
Now therefore be wise, O kings; ♦
be prudent, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, ♦
lest he be angry and you perish from the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all they ♦
who take refuge in him.
Ps 2 #EveningPrayer ⚓️✝️
be prudent, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, ♦
lest he be angry and you perish from the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all they ♦
who take refuge in him.
Ps 2 #EveningPrayer ⚓️✝️
January 3, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Now therefore be wise, O kings; ♦
be prudent, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, ♦
lest he be angry and you perish from the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all they ♦
who take refuge in him.
Ps 2 #EveningPrayer ⚓️✝️
be prudent, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, ♦
lest he be angry and you perish from the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all they ♦
who take refuge in him.
Ps 2 #EveningPrayer ⚓️✝️
I not infrequently have to correspond with people whose given names are from a language I not only don’t speak, I’m not remotely familiar with, and frankly on that reason alone I wish pronouns in bio/ sig file were universal.
There are of course other good reasons.
There are of course other good reasons.
January 3, 2026 at 7:17 PM
I not infrequently have to correspond with people whose given names are from a language I not only don’t speak, I’m not remotely familiar with, and frankly on that reason alone I wish pronouns in bio/ sig file were universal.
There are of course other good reasons.
There are of course other good reasons.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Kemi Badenoch says critics of Trump's invasion "couldn't find Venezuela on a map yesterday".
For context this is the first reference to Venezuela that I can find Kemi Badenoch ever having made in her entire political career
For context this is the first reference to Venezuela that I can find Kemi Badenoch ever having made in her entire political career
January 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Kemi Badenoch says critics of Trump's invasion "couldn't find Venezuela on a map yesterday".
For context this is the first reference to Venezuela that I can find Kemi Badenoch ever having made in her entire political career
For context this is the first reference to Venezuela that I can find Kemi Badenoch ever having made in her entire political career
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
The Earth's orbit around the sun is very nearly, but not actually, a circle. This means that there's a point in the orbit when the Earth is as far away from the sun as it can be, and a point when it's as close as it can be. That closest point, perihelion, is right now, 17:16.
January 3, 2026 at 5:16 PM
The Earth's orbit around the sun is very nearly, but not actually, a circle. This means that there's a point in the orbit when the Earth is as far away from the sun as it can be, and a point when it's as close as it can be. That closest point, perihelion, is right now, 17:16.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
I have annexed
The country
Whose resources
I wanted
And which you
Were probably
Hoping
I could identify a giraffe
It was the best clock
Anybody drew
I like McDonald's
Hey look, a bird
The country
Whose resources
I wanted
And which you
Were probably
Hoping
I could identify a giraffe
It was the best clock
Anybody drew
I like McDonald's
Hey look, a bird
January 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM
I have annexed
The country
Whose resources
I wanted
And which you
Were probably
Hoping
I could identify a giraffe
It was the best clock
Anybody drew
I like McDonald's
Hey look, a bird
The country
Whose resources
I wanted
And which you
Were probably
Hoping
I could identify a giraffe
It was the best clock
Anybody drew
I like McDonald's
Hey look, a bird
This is flagrantly immoral, but I would also note that it’s usual to begin an occupation by, well, occupying something. Not doing a commando raid.
Trump on Venezuela: "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition"
January 3, 2026 at 5:02 PM
This is flagrantly immoral, but I would also note that it’s usual to begin an occupation by, well, occupying something. Not doing a commando raid.
This afternoon at St Aidan’s (plus Robin and some blackbirds). Particularly pleased about the fieldfares as it’s been years since I’ve seen any. 🐦⬛
Buzzard
Dunnock
Little owl
Kestrel
Heron
Lapwing
Fieldfare
Coot
Shoveller
Canada geese
Greylag goose
Marsh harrier
Cormorant
Widgeon
Pochard
Mute swan
Goldfinch
Sparrow
Dunnock
Little owl
Kestrel
Heron
Lapwing
Fieldfare
Coot
Shoveller
Canada geese
Greylag goose
Marsh harrier
Cormorant
Widgeon
Pochard
Mute swan
Goldfinch
Sparrow
January 3, 2026 at 4:58 PM
This afternoon at St Aidan’s (plus Robin and some blackbirds). Particularly pleased about the fieldfares as it’s been years since I’ve seen any. 🐦⬛
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Specifically, a protest song about how the sons of the rich were able to avoid fighting, like fighting-age Donald Trump who got four deferments for being in college and another for bone spurs.
Trump posts footage of the Maduro raid set to "Fortunate Son" -- a protest song about the Vietnam War draft
January 3, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Specifically, a protest song about how the sons of the rich were able to avoid fighting, like fighting-age Donald Trump who got four deferments for being in college and another for bone spurs.
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Today is J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday!
Born in 1892, Tolkien paved the way for modern fantasy literature and his creativity continues to inspire the minds of many to this day. ✨
📸 | Tolkien, Bournemouth, July 1965
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. Tolkien photogr. 7, fol. 75r
(c) Tolkien Trust, 2015
Born in 1892, Tolkien paved the way for modern fantasy literature and his creativity continues to inspire the minds of many to this day. ✨
📸 | Tolkien, Bournemouth, July 1965
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. Tolkien photogr. 7, fol. 75r
(c) Tolkien Trust, 2015
January 3, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Today is J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday!
Born in 1892, Tolkien paved the way for modern fantasy literature and his creativity continues to inspire the minds of many to this day. ✨
📸 | Tolkien, Bournemouth, July 1965
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. Tolkien photogr. 7, fol. 75r
(c) Tolkien Trust, 2015
Born in 1892, Tolkien paved the way for modern fantasy literature and his creativity continues to inspire the minds of many to this day. ✨
📸 | Tolkien, Bournemouth, July 1965
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. Tolkien photogr. 7, fol. 75r
(c) Tolkien Trust, 2015
Reposted by Jo Come, O Come Emmanuel.
We should not surrender “the government has to follow the law” as a political principle, for practical or any other reasons! Once we surrender that, all is lost.
And most people believe it, anyway. Many of Trump’s voters too. They think being a criminal is bad, they just don’t see him as one.
And most people believe it, anyway. Many of Trump’s voters too. They think being a criminal is bad, they just don’t see him as one.
Trump is president to begin with because a critical share of Americans don't really care about norms and legalities. As a matter of politics, probably best to say that this was the act of a stupid and dishonest man, who doesn't really care about drugs, that could pull us into a deeper conflict.
January 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM
We should not surrender “the government has to follow the law” as a political principle, for practical or any other reasons! Once we surrender that, all is lost.
And most people believe it, anyway. Many of Trump’s voters too. They think being a criminal is bad, they just don’t see him as one.
And most people believe it, anyway. Many of Trump’s voters too. They think being a criminal is bad, they just don’t see him as one.
Last best hope on earth. Unbelievable.
Incredible. CBS Evening News announces five new “simple values” — instead of their “38-page handbook” — as they roll out Tony Dokoupil is lead anchor.
One of those values is simply: “We love America and make no apologies for saying so.”
One of those values is simply: “We love America and make no apologies for saying so.”
January 3, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Last best hope on earth. Unbelievable.
Hagiographic the film might be, but Thomas More’s speech about giving the Devil the benefit of the law in “A Man For All Seasons” continues to feel relevant.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBi...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBi...
A Man for All Seasons - The Devil Speech
YouTube video by dniete97
m.youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Hagiographic the film might be, but Thomas More’s speech about giving the Devil the benefit of the law in “A Man For All Seasons” continues to feel relevant.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBi...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBi...