Advent is surely the most atmospheric of all the seasons: austere yet paradoxically rich, and bursting with vivid imagery. We don't always take the time to ponder and plunder its wealth, but when we do meditate on its themes, new depths are opened up within us.
Those who came to the beautiful and moving Advent Carol Service on Sunday with attentive hearts may have taken away some particular treasure to reflect on. The phrase which struck me came from one of the Bible readings, 'I will give you the treasures of darkness' (Isaiah 45.3). I've been turning it over in my mind, wondering how it might be interpreted in poetic terms. You can read my initial ideas below.
But our response to the presence and word of God doesn't have to be in words. It can take many other forms too. Our creativity might be released through art or sculpture or music - expressing the inexpressible through what is abstract, and doing so perhaps for the benefit of others as well as for ourselves. Or it might be that we've been wrestling with one of life's complex and perplexing issues, and suddenly things fall into place and disclose meaning as we still ourselves and listen for God's voice. Perhaps best of all, we may find the inspiration to walk more steadfastly along the road of faith, strengthened in our inner being.
The Treasures of Darkness
And Mary sang, 'Dark hill, snow-still, ice-chill: fulfil
Creation's call; stump, shoot; new life instil;
Your buried grain in vain contain, constrain;
Let life resurge, and hundredfold remain.'
And Mary sang, 'Dark night, sin-plight; angelic flight;
Word, once unheard, occurred; not bird
Of Spirit-wing, beak'd leaf, dove-feather:
'This is my Son', God and Man together.'
And Mary sang, 'Dark womb, dark-room, where foetal loom
Weaves fragile filigree of mortal bloom:
Cherish the Pearl of priceless worth, whose birth
Unflawed, the Lord, announces 'Peace on earth.''
(c) Christopher Wilson 2013
Those who came to the beautiful and moving Advent Carol Service on Sunday with attentive hearts may have taken away some particular treasure to reflect on. The phrase which struck me came from one of the Bible readings, 'I will give you the treasures of darkness' (Isaiah 45.3). I've been turning it over in my mind, wondering how it might be interpreted in poetic terms. You can read my initial ideas below.
But our response to the presence and word of God doesn't have to be in words. It can take many other forms too. Our creativity might be released through art or sculpture or music - expressing the inexpressible through what is abstract, and doing so perhaps for the benefit of others as well as for ourselves. Or it might be that we've been wrestling with one of life's complex and perplexing issues, and suddenly things fall into place and disclose meaning as we still ourselves and listen for God's voice. Perhaps best of all, we may find the inspiration to walk more steadfastly along the road of faith, strengthened in our inner being.
The Treasures of Darkness
And Mary sang, 'Dark hill, snow-still, ice-chill: fulfil
Creation's call; stump, shoot; new life instil;
Your buried grain in vain contain, constrain;
Let life resurge, and hundredfold remain.'
And Mary sang, 'Dark night, sin-plight; angelic flight;
Word, once unheard, occurred; not bird
Of Spirit-wing, beak'd leaf, dove-feather:
'This is my Son', God and Man together.'
And Mary sang, 'Dark womb, dark-room, where foetal loom
Weaves fragile filigree of mortal bloom:
Cherish the Pearl of priceless worth, whose birth
Unflawed, the Lord, announces 'Peace on earth.''
(c) Christopher Wilson 2013
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