The beginning of Advent

I have discovered that I have less time to blog than I thought I would. You see, I didn't factor in the thinking time (I never do). But I am resolved to be better. And to prove it, I'm going to share a poem for each day of advent. My reasons are plenty, but the greatest are these: That I really want to share them, and that in the sharing I might have greater pleasure and better understanding.
I have a beautiful little book that is called "The Cloud of Witness". It was written and assembled by the Hon. Mrs. Edith Gell. My edition is green with gold inlay, and it was published in Great Britain in 1935 (I mentioned that 'specially because I have a passion for old books but I will not go into all that now). The title page is printed in black and red ink. Across from the title is a picture of Jesus with a lantern, and the script around it says "That was the True Light. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness.". There is a page for each day 0f the year (following the Christian seasons), and each day you read scripture and poems. So if I can possibly manage it, I will write down here my favorite poem of the day, every day until Christmas. I will post pictures of my book when I can. Today I must start with three poems because I missed yesterday and the day before.

The first week in Advent, God with us.

A Prayer for the Week

Thy Kingdom come, O Lord;
Thy reign, O Christ, begin!

Advent Eve

It may be in the evening,
When the work of the day is done,
And you have time to sit in the twilight,
And watch the sinking sun,
While the long day dies slowly
Over the sea,
And the hour grows quiet and holy
With thoughts of Me;
While you hear the village children
Passing along the street-
Among those thronging footsteps
May come the sound of My feet.
Therefore I tell you, Watch!
By the light of the evening star
When the room is growing dusky,
As the clouds afar,
Let the door be on the latch
In your home,
For it may be through the gloaming
I will come. B. M.

Advent Sunday

Thou art coming, Oh my Saviour!
Thou art coming, Oh my King!
In Thy beauty all resplendent,
In Thy glory all transcendent;
Well may we rejoice and sing!
Coming! in the opening east
Herald brightness slowly swells,
Coming! O my glorious Priest,
Hear we not Thy golden bells? F. R. Havergal

Monday

Faithful soul, prepare thy heart for this Bridegroom, that He may vouchsafe to come unto thee, and to dwell within thee.
Thomas A Kempis




P. S.

"The Cloud of Witness" is not to be confused with "Clouds of Witness", one of the fabulous Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries by Dorthy Sayers . I also recommend it highly.



Peace and love for the coming season!!