Once to this troubled world
A new star came,
Through dread and darkness shone
A pillar of flame;
On lonely hills at night,
Sky broken through,
Shepherds heard from angels
Songs they found true.
Unto waiting nations
Was born a King,
In swaddling clothes in manger
A tiny baby thing.
The great brought gifts and worshipped,
The air was still,
Everywhere the tidings,
Peace and good will!
Again the time draws near!
O Star, arise
And bring the light of hope
To weary eyes.
—Clyde McGee, "Advent"
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[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 Christmaspoem 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.]
20 comments:
A Smoke Tree branch...represents well..."A pillar of flame". It's nice to read the verses you've chosen.
Only 18 days??????? You've just reminded me...well, it just clicked.... not much time left.... We don't even have our tree yet!!!! While your photos are lovely, the ticking clock...? Hummmmmmm......
I came upon you by chance. What a lovely post.
I will return.. Beautiful yvonne
I think you lovely collection of advent verses need putting together in a little book, Scribe.
HI GRIZZ-
Beautiful pictures - the colors so vibrant and true. And the words of Advent inspire and give promise and hope as the day nears of His birth.
Love to you
Gail
peace....
Wanda…
Hadn't even thought of my smoke tree shot in that context…pure serendipity!
Giggles…
Yes indeedy! The days are clicking off like telephone poles alongside the highway. We'll be there sooner than you thin—ready or not.
I have my tree—up and 2/3 decorated. Most of my shopping is done. But the remainder is apt to be a bear.
Now, what is this "While your photos are lovely…" business. You'd have had your shopping/decorating/ etc. done if my photos had been ugly? And you the newly idle rich! :-) Life was easier when you were too busy doing something you no longer cared to do? This is that get-out-and-sniff-the-roses time we talked about. Get out. Smell an icicle. Joust your way through a mall. Indulge in a dish of peppermint stick ice cream and a toddy. Wrap packages. Address cards. Sing carols. Bake cookies. Sit on Santa's lap. And finally…remember you only have 18 measly fast-disappearing days to do it in.
Yvonne…
I'm so glad you found your way here and liked what you saw. It's great to have you! Please know you're always welcome to join us on the riverbank.
Weaver…
Well, they're already in my copybooks—and of course I keep a record of these blog posts. But I would like to see a nice, big book of nothing but poetry of the season. I have a few smaller volumes, but nothing like what could easily be done—as well as a similar book of prose quotes.
Gail…
That is the wonder and hope of Advent, that it focuses your eye and heart and mind on the blessing and point of the season—the meaning behind this ancient celebration.
Your Advent post is a daily reminder of mindfulness, - beautiful photo and a lovely poem. Thank you Griz.
You have a wonderful collection of poems Grizz....a real treasure which we are all enjoying because of your heartfelt sharing...Hugs
Well, ok. I frittered away my entire first bonified, angst-free day in almost 16 years. Slept in (I'm a night owl by nature) ...didn't get out of my pj's the entire day....didnd't cook. Didn't read. (Watched the last round of men's golf Q-school ... I had just seen Ricky Fowler as an amateur compete in the Walker cup this summer, just down the road a piece. I believe he turned pro the day after the Walker Cup...) Stayed up. Not too late...
Today. Day 2. Your 18th day post got me moving and so got lots done! (Xmas shopping, anyway.) I need to clear my "office" to make a "studio." A room of my own.... It's gonna be more work than I expected. I have lots of digging out to do, after not keeping a good house during almost 16 years of work and raising three small kids.....
But there's lots of other stuff to do on your list.... I must get busy....see ya later!!!!
Hildred and Charles…
I'm really glad you're enjoying these bits of verse. Thank YOU!
Bernie…
These poems have given me pleasure, and I'd hoped, in their sharing, that others found them pleasurable, too. I'm glad that seems to be the case…
Giggles…
Hey, chill…it's taken you years to become entrenched in that home office, it doesn't have to be transformed in a day—or a month. That was the point, right, to give yourself time? What you're going to have to learn is how to do just that. Slow down. Enjoy the wonder and beauty of the season. You're just having withdrawal symptoms right now. Stay up all night; sleep late; wear your PJs all day. It doesn't mean you're turing into Howard Hughes.
This 18th post was not meant to light a fire under you…but to urge you to enjoy the glow and warmth of hope and peace. This is your time—your gift—too, you know.
ok. breath. stop. relax. breath. ok. i'll work on that. you are sooooooooooo right.... I can really stay up late?? I miss my nightly dose of Charlie Rose... It's pledge week on public television. Or pledge two weeks. Whatever. ok. breathe.
Giggles…
You can stay up late, sleep in, go out in the yard at midnight and howl like a coyote (consider family and neighbors on this one, not to mention—in case you're a sub-par howler—embarrassing the dog) and watch Charlie Rose until it finally comes to you that while every third guest on his show has a can't-miss plan for solving the world's woes…they can't all be right. And actually, hereabouts, this would be week three for a fundraising drive for public TV; I know that because the first I began getting sick I watched a Rick Steves Christmas show. And I know that was the evening after Thanksgiving.
Hi Scribe.... love your image. I took several shots this summer of our smoke bushes. Love the way the burgundy leaves turn orange when hit by the light.
18??? Gotta go. Lots to do. :)
Bonnie…
I really like my little smoke bush/tree, and take my share of photos of it, as well. My best photo (I think) is one I don't believe I've run—of the leaves in soft morning light and jeweled in dew. It's just a lovely shot, if I do say so myself.
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