Malcolm Guite

 I thought I had posted something a week ago; it was actually two weeks ago. 

Rather than provide music links during Advent, I’d like to provide a link to my favorite Advent readings.

The pastor/poet/theologian/musician Malcolm Guite has published over a dozen books, many of them poetry, but one of the best ways to experience his poems is to go to his website and sign up for the blog  here. You will receive a daily email during Advent and Lent and occasional poems throughout the year.

Most of the poems Malcolm posts for Advent are written by other poets, but you can listen to him read them in his fine English accent while looking at the work of Linda Richardson, an artist who responded to these Advent poems with original works of art. While there you’ll want to read what she has written about the inspiration for her visual response to the poetry. It is a rich experience engaging the eyes, ears, mind, and soul.

If you aren’t familiar with Malcolm Guite, I’m delighted to provide this introduction. Blessings on you and yours for the remaining days of Advent, Christmastide, and the New Year!

People, Look East

 I so love and respect the good folks with the Bruderhof, an intentional Christian community. A group of women from several different Bruderhof communities email a newsletter every month or so, describing some aspect of their lives. I feel like I know them. You can access the newsletter here.

We were actually able to visit a Bruderhof Community only three hours away in Madisonville, Tennessee. The folks we met were as calm, orderly, and gracious as one would expect. We were guided around the beautiful campus by a couple of empty nesters a few years younger than us, then we were joined at lunch by a couple well into their 80s. 

The writers of the newsletter reference a wonderful song that speaks to the joy of preparing for the Christ Child,  People, Look East. You can hear a fine choral rendition of it here.

Advent 2023

First Sunday of Advent - Hope

 I hope some old and new posts, with old and new music, will be an encouragement during this season.

 “Sometimes you need to sing your way into the truth.” Sara Hagerty, quoted in Adore.

Advent is a time to show up and sing your way into the truth whether you feel like it or not. The words of Isaiah 40 are a perfect way to begin:

“Comfort ye, my people…” from Handel’s Messiah

Do you feel comforted? Encouraged to look up and anticipate God working? I tend to when I hear the beginning of this. I know the entire Messiah was composed to be performed at Easter, but this bit is a perfect beginning to Advent, don’t you think?