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Malcolum Guite is one of my favourite poets.  He has a series of sonnets that he wrote based on the O Antiphons. 

As someone who is still quite new to the Anglican tradition, I find myself continuing to discover new things during the season of Advent.  I love the sense of slowing down to wait, listen and prepare during Advent. Each year when we hear the O Antiphons sung during our Advent Procession, I find ... well ... a key.  

Poem - O Clavis by Malcolm Guite

Even in the darkness where I sit

And huddle in the midst of misery

I can remember freedom, but forget

That every lock must answer to a key,

That each dark clasp, sharp and intricate,

Must find a counter-clasp to meet its guard,

Particular, exact and intimate,

The clutch and catch that meshes with its ward.

I cry out for the key I threw away

That turned and over turned with certain touch

And with the lovely lifting of a latch

Opened my darkness to the light of day.

O come again, come quickly, set me free

Cut to the quick to fit, the master key.

Artwork - O Clavis by Adam Boulter

 
(inspired by Malcolm Guite's sonnet)

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Image credits:

AdventJourney photo: Morning mystic - Casey Horner on Unsplash 

Artwork: Adam Boulter 

Worship And Prayer
Celebrating Advent and Christmas