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Epiphany

Although we may have sung We Three Kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse a far and enjoyed T.S. Eliot’s Magi – A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of year for a journey, and such a long journey. Epiphany marks the arrival of the “wisemen.” Until that moment theContinue reading “Epiphany”

Auld Lang Syne

The traditional Scottish drinking cup of friendship is called a Quaich, the word is derived from the Gaelic cuach ‘cup’. It is a small shallow bowl like cup with two handles or ‘lugs’ – a Scottish word for ears! Its origin is unknown but it has often been described as a drinking cup of HighlandContinue reading “Auld Lang Syne”

Nativity

Bethlehem, sitting on the West Bank, remains a difficult place to get to. On my first and only visit in 2008 I felt I was back in Belfast in the days of my youth in the mid 1970s. with check points and heavily armed soldiers present on every street corner. Their presence, intimidating! The photoContinue reading “Nativity”

Immensity

I turn today to John Donne (1573-1631) and his poem Annunciation which is the second of seven sonnets under the title La Corona – yes Corona (Crown) a term we lived with for the best part of three years and sadly some continue to live with the mark of the Corona Virus. Donne uses theContinue reading “Immensity”

“For years I counted hugs.”

I could not imagine an Advent season without T.S. Eliot’s poem – The Journey of the Magi Please take a moment to delight in Eliot’s poem and ponder the Wisemen’s question – were we led all that way for Birth or Death? The poem is long so I shall be brief. Perhaps what was travellingContinue reading ““For years I counted hugs.””

Kenosis – Self-emptying of God

Sadly, what I wrote this time last year seems to be the most appropriate words to post today. With one small edit I repost from last year. – The spontaneous ceasefire on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 1914 came about as British, Belgian, and French soldiers put down their weapons and climbed out of theirContinue reading “Kenosis – Self-emptying of God”

That time of year! Three for One!

This is a week when many travel to be with family and friends at the time of Thanksgiving. For many it is a return to the place of their birth, their childhood. These places hold so many memories, Yet when we return it never looks or feels quite the same or as we expected. EvenContinue reading “That time of year! Three for One!”

Inscape and Landscape

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of introducing a good friend to this view point on his first trip to Scotland, commonly known as The Queen’s View. As I took the photo I was pleased to capture Schiehallion in the distance. The following has been written about this 3500ft hill. “Its shape, location,Continue reading “Inscape and Landscape”

“Let America be America ….”

I turn today to the words of Langston Hughes. His words are always fresh, provocative, and inspiring. We cannot be the same person we were before, once we allow his words to enter into our heart and soul. I offer just a few verses from his poem Let America Be America Again. He never didContinue reading ““Let America be America ….””

Autumn

This is such a beautiful time of year and how I long for it year after year. At last the hot days of summer are past and the biting cold dark days of midwinter have not yet arrived. Readiness though is in the air, and the trees themselves are making ready as they shed theirContinue reading “Autumn”