Monday, December 21, 2009

ADVENT COUNTDOWN 5

At Christmas Season's glad return
We watch the candles brightly burn,
And you of friendly face and name
Gather around the merry flame.
O what added joy and glow
The thoughts of loving friends bestow!
To each about the circle wide
Be peace and cheer of Christmas tide;
And from these happy memories
May hopes arise and prophecies
Of wid'ning purposes of good,
And God's rich love be understood.

McGee, Clyde. "A Christmas Wish."
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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.]

14 comments:

Wanda..... said...

Not many things are more relaxing and welcoming, or mood enhancing than the warm glow of candles... except maybe a glowing wood fire, a glass of wine, a good book, a full moon, dawn, nature, beautiful flowing water.....and wonderful friends and their blogs!

Grizz………… said...

Wanda…

For all our modern technology, we've yet to invent much to equal—let alone surpass—so many of the old, even ancient, basics which can be contained in a single cozy room. A cheery fire on the hearth. Flickering candlelight. A kettle of stew bubbling softly. The fragrance of baking bread. A glass of wine or coffee. Kith and kin to keep you company and make life worthwhile. Snow whispering against the windowpanes. A friendly river chuckling out there in the night. A good book. The hoot of an owl.

You got them all, I believe.

And yes, the blogs and comments of friends…

Gail said...

Hi Grizz
I love candle light - the glow, the flicker, the colors, the mood it offers and the hope of light. I too appreciate all of which you and Wanda wrote. And may I add the magic at my Mom's on Christmas Eve - when the last person has arrived and the door closes and the evening begins a magical feeling overtakes us all - it is spirited, soft, loving, surprising, and life-giving. "Merry Christmas".

Love Gail
peace.......

Kelly said...

...Advent countdown 5.....does it seem like time is racing by at an unheard of speed this advent? We're already down to 5!

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Oh, yes! Christmas Eve with family—nothing will ever beat that when it comes to mood and magic. It is just so wonderful to be safe and secure, comfortable, in a room filled with those you love—and who love you back—the most. What a blessing! It is indeed what life is all about. The richest, greatest gift.

Grizz………… said...

Kelly…

It does seem to me like this Advent has simply raced past. Most astonishing! Four shopping/getting-ready days are all that's left until Christmas. And because of being sick, I'm so behind there is just no hope of catching up.

The Weaver of Grass said...

And I second that Scribe - beautiful sentiments.

bobbie said...

A lovely verse, and lovely photo. Candles are so warm and comforting, and so full of meaning.

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

Friends and family gathered round…the gift, the hope, the pleasure of the season.

Grizz………… said...

Bobbie…

Their flame is small, but their light is great…warm, friendly, comforting. Even the smallest candle can hold back the greatest darkness.

Bernie said...

Oh I do love the glow of candlelight and wood fire....they are the best.....another beautiful poem my friend...:-) Hugs

Grizz………… said...

Bernie…

I love sitting in a room lit by a wood fire and candlelight…and currently, with the addition of a lighted Christmas tree and other decorations, plus CDs of carols. That's one of the reasons I love winter.

Kelly said...

Scribe....I wasn't even sick (I had The Swine back in Oct.) and there's no hope for me catching up either. I still have to make my cards. At least I'm not working today, so I can fold and cut and paste away--still printing the image. Merry Christmas!

Grizz………… said...

Kelly…

A very merry Christmas to you, too!

And I say, do what you can and let the rest go. Take the time to share and relax and enjoy.