Introduction to the Series
This series of works by Craig will allow for a beautiful Advent Journey to unfold that will ignite the purpose of the season in the hearts of those that are touched by these works. In total there are 5 pieces with the first starting on December 1st and the last on Christmas Eve.
We pray that this journey will take you deeper into the meaning of Advent and the heart of God for you.
Advent Week 1 – First Light:
The first candle lit,
acrid scent of smoking match,
a flame newly born.
In solitude watch
tears of red wax form and flow –
life’s memories come.
In silence wait, hear
the flame flicker, sparks crackle –
thoughts be still. He comes.
Sparks dance like angels,
celebrating gifts of life.
The flame flares this night.
Amidst darkness – light.
Heaven on earth – worship Christ,
all is possible.
Advent Week 2 – Night of Gifts:
In the darkness town lights gleam,
all I see is what they show.
I’m busy, mind weary, soul withered.
I yearn to journey beyond worldly lights,
up river valley under starlight
on paths others walked in song.
I slip away on foot unseen,
follow the road seeking the night,
reach the wilderness and venture in,
meander under the Milky Way,
enraptured by sky-fires of the night.
My plague of thoughts now still.
I wander by stream thundering below,
my soul enthralled as rapids glisten,
waters tumble, owls cry. I amble on,
my heart alive, sing songs, cattle wake.
Sweet smoke drifts by, a cottage looms,
David’s Star shines through milky panes. I linger.
By an open door you stand waiting,
“Stranger”, you call, beckon me in.
My heart leaps, I know this voice.
By fireside words of love and hope flow,
of kingdoms now and still to come.
Under Christ’s light, joy found.
Advent Week 3 – Joy:
Joy – A reflection on Isaiah 42: 10-11
My body is warm
the sun is on it,
I sit gazing into the sea
tide coming in,
ripples rushing,
washing, swishing over
silent sands.
It’s my quiet place.
Hovering up high
the sun flickers
on feathered friend
skylarking. He sings his song
then with folded wings
he plummets from the sky.
Moments pass till wings unfurl,
he ascends to heights,
I hear laughter in his song.
I call out, “You that tease me so,
go a little higher up,
tell me what you see”.
Farther into the blue he goes
and calls to me, “My eyes
feel the joy of Him who is coming,
I sing His song of hope”.
Advent Week 4 – New Hope:
New Hope – A reflection on Luke 2:8-11
Your wrinkled smile
cloaks the pain.
And as your tongue
catches silent tears
you look at me and say
“All is well, I’m doing fine”.
Coffee in hand
your soul weeps.
You’re not so strong tonight,
grief entangled with dross.
As we chat, I cry inside,
“Must exclusion arise,
afflict again your wound?”
His presence comes. We wait
for dawn in prayerful vigil
till rays of hope caress your face.
Advent – Christmas Blessing:
Christmas Blessing – A reflection on Matthew 5:1-16
Yahweh, upon this day,
adorn my home with love:
hospitality to the outsider;
compassion to souls who weep;
generosity to those in need.
Jesus Christ, bless to me this day,
renew my home with grace:
a heart of forgiveness;
a tongue of kindness;
a spirit of gratefulness.
Holy Spirit, your presence I seek
amidst all comings and goings:
wisdom to trust Your lead,
peace from trusting,
joy from Your peace.
