Christmas – Poetic Meanderings

In Bethlehem

Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Glory be to God Most High One cool evening under the gray-moon sky, an army of angels praised God as awe-struck shepherds heard the first telling of our beloved Christmas Story, the good news bringing great joy — the Messiah, our Emmanuel, God with us has been born. —C.L. Fisher, DecemberContinue reading “In Bethlehem”

Cheer

“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.” —George Matthew Adams Why is it we love this season’s return? Perhaps because the notes of change are so muchContinue reading “Cheer”

Noel

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6, NLT Lonely bell joins lonely bell, crescendoing into choir; resonance brings harmony before one last peal resounds toContinue reading “Noel”

“Olden Times and Ancient Rhymes”

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” — Luke 1:78-79, NLT There is this melancholy air during the holidays… that bittersweet nostalgia,Continue reading ““Olden Times and Ancient Rhymes””

One December Afternoon

I see skies of blue/ and clouds of white/ the bright blessed day/ the dark sacred night/ and I think to myself/ what a wonderful world… —From What a Wonderful World, George Douglas I saw myself reflected in silver steps like stones skipping across a river, winding up the evergreen, near deep pools of cobaltContinue reading “One December Afternoon”

Anticipation

We watch a beautiful sunset as our anticipation is building for another celestial event, the Christmas Star, the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Not since 1226 have they been so closely aligned – a rare event on this Winter’s Solstice – but just as we set the telescope lens toward the mark in theContinue reading “Anticipation”

Hope on this First Day of Advent*

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. — Isaiah 9:2, NLT We wait, look forward, anticipate, and there is a joy in that expectation of what will soon come to pass, but there is also a gloryContinue reading “Hope on this First Day of Advent*”

Two Together

I got lost in a moment, watching you hook a worn but treasured ornament on our little Christmas tree. I fell into thoughts of all the holidays we have been a family of two, together in this home. I let myself imagine those pajama-clad children padding toward us on Christmas morning, those little ones weContinue reading “Two Together”