Windows into Advent - Day Ten

Reflection

WINTERING & GATHERING

In silent pews, hewn from forest sanctuaries,
under twisted olive trees,
we sit still whispering.
Wait awhile in the dark places!
Wait and watch
for the divine emergence;
for the light glimmering in the tunnels of the Holy Land,
and the bunkers of Kyiv,
for peace to rise from Earth.
Come again Emmanuel!
Into the stillness of the wintery twilight,
our wild souls will sing bright carols
around the newborn in the ruins.
We will bring gifts of bread and water.
Then we will return through the gates
to find our path home by another way.

Gillian Barlow 2023

Scripture

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3.12-17

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Image credit - SJD Nave by Tony Barlow