Sunday 2 December 2012

3 December – Adult Advent Announcement

Today’s poem, chosen by Caroline, is Adult Advent Announcement by David Redding

O Lord,

Let Advent begin again
In us,
Not merely in commercials;
For that first Christmas was not
Simply for children, 
But for the 
Wise and the strong.
It was,
Crowded around that cradle,
With kings kneeling.
Speak to us
Who seek an adult seat this year.
Help us to realise,
As we fill stockings,
Christmas is mainly 
For the old folks-
Bent backs
And tired eyes
Need relief and light
A little more
No wonder
It was grown-ups
Who were the first
To notice 
Such a star

Thoughts


In church yesterday we lit the first advent candle, a light that will shine out in the winter darkness, and heralded the start of our Advent journey.

Although I’m not sure that I agree with the picture of old folks with bent backs and tired eyes, I think that this poem holds an important message for us all.

The commercial side of Christmas has been in full swing since the beginning of October, and gradually the secular side of Christmas has leant increasingly towards being child centred. 

There are no children mentioned in the nativity, other than the Christ child, the first people who were involved all adults, Christmas is a time for all, old and young and Advent is a time to reflect on all that Christmas brings.


Prayer

Dear Lord
At the start of our journey through Advent
May the light of the candle
Kindle the light of hope in our hearts.
May your light lead the way,
Until you come again
In glory.
Amen

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