ADVENT POEMS

FIRST SUNDAY: STAR GAZING

Gazing to check the
the planetary timetable —
anticipating

an expected good
as yet undiscovered but
as sure as the stars —

the Magi — masters
of ancient astrophysics —
peer behind the spheres

to what lies ahead —
and bending time over space
plunge into the vast

gravitational
pull — rotations and orbits —
unity of hope.

The three wise men follow the star (Matthew 2). Wood engraving, published in 1837.

SECOND SUNDAY: STEPPING OUT

Why risk the trip for
an ending already known?
Better stay at home.

Stepping out requires
the weight of evidence, not
certainty of proof.

The weeks extend with
growing anticipation —
substance of desire.

No one knows the good
or bad conclusion until
end of days and miles.

So on and on they
journeyed — enduring by faith
the traveling trials.

Rare and beautifully executed Engraved illustration of The Three Wise Men Guided by the Star of Bethlehem Biblical Engraving from The Popular Pictorial Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Published in 1862. Image depicts the idea of good over evil. Copyright has expired on this artwork. Digitally restored.

THIRD SUNDAY: GUIDING PRSENCE

Through the darkened days —
in the dull barren landscape —
joy jars the journey

joy — unexpected —
bubbles in an icy brook
with cold, sharp cleansing

joy — astonishing —
whispers the awakening
secrets of pure air

joy — magnificent —
sweetens red sacred wine, serves
consecrated bread

joy — comfort filling —
sparkles through the soul’s dark night —
a guiding Presence

‘The Adoration of the Magi’, 1504. The Gospel of St Matthew (2:1-12) tells how certain Magi (the Wise Men) from the Orient arrived in Bethlehem to visit the infant Christ. From the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Art Media/Print Collector/Getty Images)

FOURTH SUNDAY: NEW DIRECTION

Returns have dangers —
anticipations, too planned,
bear disappointments.

Best to go back home
by another way — keeping
sharp in the strangeness.

New landscape, new road,
new direction: Pouring out
promises to keep —

leaving far behind
intrigues of academy,
temple, and throne room —

embracing the breeze
of the open, one-way road —
growing peace of mind

Vintage engraving of interview of the Magi and King Herod, by J. James Tissot