Rejoice. The third candle, pink and fresh with life, Alights and sparkles while the hope grows long. Rejoice: Advent is rising; though the strife Of ways unprepared may hurt our knees, the strong Will hold the weak and walk. Advent is stretching The stiff joints of silence. Advent is latent Yet stirring with noise; AdventContinue reading “Third Candle: Advent is Rising”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Second Candle: Advent is Slowing
One candle grows short, a second descends, And three others wait for the rising of light. Wicks burn down and dwindle, yet hope still appends The longing of prayers in the slow Advent night. In the day, though the shouting of sun may shut out The lamenting of captives, yet watch in the night, ForContinue reading “Second Candle: Advent is Slowing”
First Candle: Advent is Waiting
Advent is not simply Christmas extended: Calendar flaps decked with chocolate each day; Shops tinsel-lined as though God intended The season to dazzle our wallets away. Advent is not for the first-fruits of commerce, Nor is it for month-long pre-parties and drinks, And not for fluoro-lit reindeers dispersed In gardens, despite what the suburbs mayContinue reading “First Candle: Advent is Waiting”
Expectation (The Cornucopia of Heaven)
Expectation After J.S. Bach, “Mass in B Minor: Et Expecto Resurrectionem” We begin small: a kernel dropping to soil a weak and fickle seed a broken passing moment dust expectantly, expectant… of what breaks forth in trumpet-shower, in polyphonic spring, Continue reading “Expectation (The Cornucopia of Heaven)”
Kyrie (Cornucopia of Heaven)
Kyrie After Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, “Missa Papae Marcelli: Kyrie” From earth, from soil, from hearts, from fractures Kyrie Kyrie From death, from fire, from quake, from anguish Kyrie Kyrie From drought that blocks, from self that locks Kyrie eleison From sin, from toil, from pride, from hate Christe Christe FromContinue reading “Kyrie (Cornucopia of Heaven)”
Esurientes implevit bonis (After J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in E-flat)
Two women who knew the truth of a God who exalts the humble were Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Both were unlikely mothers, one a virgin, the other barren and ridiculed by her husband’s other wife, Penninah. When Mary heard the news that she was bearing theContinue reading “Esurientes implevit bonis (After J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in E-flat)”
Confessional Hymn, After Gavin Bryars’ “Cadman Requiem” (Cornucopia of Heaven)
Confessional Hymn After Gavin Bryars, “Cadman Requiem” We were not there when stars were flung wide, wide, across the vast expanse. We were not there when hearts were knit, when breath was breathed inside. We were not there when plans were made, when laws in hearts were broken. YetContinue reading “Confessional Hymn, After Gavin Bryars’ “Cadman Requiem” (Cornucopia of Heaven)”
Hospitality
Well, poems have been few and far between at The Consolations of Writing recently, mostly because – I must admit – I’ve been slightly distracted by my recent engagement to an absolutely wonderful girl, Hannah. This week I have distractions of another kind: a week-long, short-term mission in my own city, Melbourne. Today’s poem isContinue reading “Hospitality”
Catechism 34
Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word? Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faithContinue reading “Catechism 34”
Catechism 33
Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else? No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior. (New City Catechism) Continue reading “Catechism 33”
The Consolations of Writing 