Advent (Day 16)
On this third Monday of Advent, a poem by one of my favorite writers, Louise Glück. Winter can tempt us to despair. Cold, death, endless waiting. It is easy to stop believing in spring. He did tell us how it would be. "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies," he said. And he was right. The seeds of resurrection were planted in...
Advent (Day 15)
A prayer for this third Sunday of Advent: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. from The...
Advent (Day 14)
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight....
Advent (Day 13)
The wintery cold has been sinking lower and lower on the weatherman’s map each night. Finally, the chill of that blue boundary line reaches down to embrace even Florida. The wind feels icy now, though the weatherman says that the still-ripening oranges on our backyard tree are safe. For me, winter arrives just as this season of waiting begins...
Advent (Day 12)
The following words can be found in Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas. I’ve had this small volume on my Amazon wish list for several years, but this is my first season to read it. I should have clicked purchase long ago. J. B. Phillips on Advent: “What we are in fact celebrating is the awe-inspiring humility of God,...
Advent (Day 11)
Is Advent a hushed season? A time for quiet reflection? I’d like it to be. I love quiet like few other things. “Silent Night” is my kind of carol. Of course, my children prefer “Jingle Bells.” The five-year-old, especially, loves singing it at top volume at the dinner table. I suppose there’s room for both of us this time of year. Room for...