Advent is a paradoxical season.
A season of waiting and anticipation in which the waiting itself is strangely rich and fulfilling.
A season that looks back at the people who waited in darkness for the coming light of Christ, and yet forward to a fuller light still to come and illuminate our darkness.
A season that falls in winter and at the end of the year, In the dark and cold, but whose focus is the coming of light and life, the warmth of the young child who says, “I make all things new.” Perhaps only poetry can help us fathom the depths and inhabit the tensions of these paradoxes.
Here is a little poem I wrote as a winter blessing, a blessing on the dark season as we yearn towards Christmas and wait for the coming of the winter-child:
Winter-child
When winter comes and winds are cold and keen,
When nights are darkest, though the stars shine bright,
When life shrinks to its roots, or sleeps unseen,
Then may he bless and bring you to his light,
Comfort and heal you, even as you wait.
For he will come at last, and will be seen,
God’s love made vulnerable, tightly curled:
The Winter Child, The Saviour of The World
Share your thoughts
Spend a few moments in stillness, ponder the reflection and beautiful poem Malcolm has shared with us here. Feel free to share your reflections, insights – maybe your own poem – in the comments below.
These wonderful wintry words capture the essence of Advent, when all is cold and dark, looking forward to the light, comfort and healing the Christ child will bring.
Thank you for your response, Fiona – joining you in your looking forward to light, comfort and healing, amen.
A truly beautiful poem, thank you. However I struggle with only looking at Advent happening in winter as so often we have been in New Zealand visiting family at this time of the year and it is summer a time of light and warmth singing carols in t shirts and dresses, a time of the long school summer holiday, so different.
Thank you Sheila, a very interesting thought and perspective!
Thank you , Enchanting
Thank you, Sarah. May the enchantment go with you through the remainder of Advent.