I would I were some bird, or star,
Flutt'ring in woods, or lifted far
Above this inn
And road of sin!
Then either star or bird should be
Shining or singing still to thee.
—Henry Vaughan
"Christ's Nativity"
———————
[The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, which means "coming." In the Christian church, Advent is that period of expectant waiting leading up to the Nativity of Jesus. Some prefer to think of it as a "Countdown to Christmas." If you've ever had an Advent calendar, you know that each day prior to Christmas has it own window, usually hidden behind a little flap or door, behind which is a scene or verse from the Scriptures. I thought it would be fun to take that idea and post a daily photo with a bit of text below—a stanza or two from a Christmas poem or a few lines of prose from a favorite Christmas story. The photos aren't intended to be tied with the text. Some are just ones I meant to run with a post this past year, but for whatever reason, didn't. To set these posts apart from my regular—or irregular!—ones, I've given them a different typeface and look.]
18 comments:
...you are going to be busy coming up with an entry every day, but I bet it will enhance your celebration of the season. Thank you! (I know it will enhance mine!). Lovely photo of the cardinal...
Very nice verse to read and photo to view...this morning!
I know I am going to be really looking forward to these Advent posts. Thank you for putting them together.
Very creative, Scribe--to do an Advent countdown via blog.
Hope you are completely on the mend. Even if your body was laid low by whatever bug, your mind is still sparkling!
HI GRIZZ-
Beautiful picture - and I so appreciate your Advent tribute -
please stop by my place - there are some pictures of Thanksgiving in Brooklyn at Dolan's place and one of our lil grand-daughter Alaura - a sneak preview to my next post titled "Eyes, The Color of Blueberries". She and her Dad arrived Friday evening and it has been a whirlwind of wonder and joy ever since. I am so pleased to say that the "chapter of her story" we are writing is wonderful :-)
And, how are you feeling Grizz? am praying that you are on the mend.
Love to you my riverbank friend
Gail'
peace.....
Lovely words again, Scribe and what an exquisite bird.
Kelly…
Actually, I've collected Christmas and seasonal related books for years; I must have upwards of 100 on my shelves. Lots have poems and bits of old writings which would probably work. So the source material is there…but the problem is my having managed to get sick at the time when I should have been selecting my material for quotes.
Who knew a bug would so waylay them?
Wanda…
I'm hoping I don't end up duplicating a photo I've run earlier, but in my muddled state, anything is possible.
Glad you liked the verse.
Lynne…
As I mentioned to Kelly (above) I never quite managed to pull photos and quotes and get this whole series ready before the flu bus (or whatever) ran me down. So I'm doing this in short bouts whenever I can manage to remain vertical. Lord knows how it will turn out…
KGMom…
I had the idea a month or so back. In a perfect world, I would match photos in some way to the quotes—or at least the season. Maybe next year.
I can assure you, though, nothing about me right now—mind included—is sparkling. I was feeling better yesterday, and thought I was all but over whatever I had. Today has been about 10 steps backwards. But I have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, so maybe something good will come of that; I'm certainly tired of being sick.
Lovely...
And a realization occured as I was journeying through others blogs... Advent...my changes... Not planned to happen at roughly the same time...but I LOVE the serendipity..the symetry....the anticipation for me of what's next....
Yesterday, the (interim) minister who has been with our church for 5 years now, who reminds me so very much of my dad, both physically and spiritually, announced that he is leaving.... He's in his early seventies and he has been helping us as a congregation heal from a horrible previous rector.... I am so terribly fond of him, and so terribly sad for me.... happy for him though.... More waiting... He was funny.... He said "I want my "ash" somewhere else by Ash Wednesday."
Thanks for letting me share....
Gail…
I'll do my best to make it to your blog later today. I haven't managed more than a handful of visits to my favorite blogs recently… but I will get there, sooner or later.
I'm glad you like this series. And I'll bet you guys had a great Thanksgiving.
Weaver…
Now who do imagine I had in mind when I posted that redbird photo?
Giggles…
Tiz the season of endings and beginnings, when some things draw to a close and others open up; of going and coming and change in a every quarter.
I often wonder if some things we do—actions, decisions, changes—are made entirely on or own, of if we just heed and are influenced by forces more ancient—rhythms older than time.
Perhaps your changes came when they did because of when they stirred…that time and season and direction played a part, possibly tipping the scale.
BTW, you may share any time. We're just friends having a conversation.
I know I for one am enjoying your tribute to Advent....great photo Grizz......hope you are feeling better....:-) Hugs
Bernie…
I hope you do enjoy these little posts.
Still feeling lousy, but have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
I'm glad you're going to the doctor. This seems to have hit you well too hard....
Robin…
Yeah, I needed to go, if for nothing else, to be told it was just a nasty bug and would sooner or later run its course…which is what I was told. Lungs are clear, so no infection to treat; no need for antibiotics. Rest, drink fluids, take Tylenol—pretty much what I've been doing. I still feel awful, but maybe a degree less awful than yesterday.
That's the story…I'll probably live.
Post a Comment