Uncertain Advent ~ a Poem for Celtic Advent Day 14

Ice on the Somerset Levels, Jacqueline Durban 

To hope is not blind faith or escapism. To truly hope we must stand on the bitter edge where we can sense what it would mean for all hope to be lost, to look across the dark abyss of despair and still find, and be warmed by, the light of the furthest star. This is Advent.

Uncertain Advent by Alwyn Marriage

Can Christmas this year pierce the gathering darkness,
the daily news that plays upon our fear?
Apocalyptic premonitions shape our Advent,
that, even in the throb of Christmas preparation,
war and the plots of terrorists are ever near.
Christmas may warm our hearts,
but not till wintry chill
has seeped through sinew, heart and bone
with threat of horrors yet unknown.

Stars and angels tell a different story
of unquenched light and peace and warm goodwill;
a message scattering stardust down the ages
encouraging us to trust that all may yet be well
Through darkest night a glimmer leads to morning
guiding our hope and trust and longing still.

Waiting in the dark we cannot know
what lies ahead, of war or of redemption.
What images assail us in the night,
of rape and pillage, show
of rage and might, or light,
of long lost sweet remembered love?

Through the dark hours our thoughts
are turned and tossed
we snatch at tantalising dreams
of reconciliation
gently ruffling feathers on the
white breast of a dove.

Before the morning comes,
we wait, as night
aches on. Uncertain now
what shape or form
our longing calls to birth;
knowing only that those who take up arms
will never bless this earth.

Yet even now we dare to trust our longing,
that when the first faint glow
of morning washes darkness from our eyes,
all that our hearts were longing for in darkness,
will, like a radiant Christmas morning, rise.

References:

http://www.marriages.me.uk/alwyn/writing/poetry/a-sermon-about-uncertain-advent/