Christmas – Prayers, Poems, and Christian Ponderings

Arrival!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year. In the gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, we read of the journey of the wisemen from the east. When they actually arrived is not known, but we should not be surprised to learn that it may well have been some days or many weeksContinue reading “Arrival!”

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”

“Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb,”

Bethlehem, in the West Bank, remains a difficult place to get to. I recall being searched by armed Israeli police and having my passport scrutinized before being allowed to proceed to the Church of the Nativity. The photo above shows not a manger but a chaotic presence of a border wall which surrounds Bethlehem. ThisContinue reading ““Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb,””

And is it true?

The English poet John Betjeman’s poem “Christmas” has been part of my Christmas celebration each and every year, along with Eliot’s Journey of the Magi. I often used his poem in worship on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Eliot’s poem will be my next post! For now, just 6 days away from Christmas, it isContinue reading “And is it true?”

“..tissued fripperies”

The English poet John Betjeman’s poem “Christmas” has been, along with Eliot’s Journey of the Magi, part of my Christmas celebration each and every year. I often used his poem in worship on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. A few years ago while visiting Cornwall I made it a part of my “pilgrimage” to searchContinue reading ““..tissued fripperies””