Celtic Advent
As the Holly King gives way to Oak King
As winter gives way to the Hope of Spring
Sister moon gives way to Brother Sun
Inner reflection gives way to outward manifestations
Come welcome the Child of Joy, bask in His Light
When the cauldron of inspiration burns bright with imagination,
It is a light for all those trapped in darkness, a fire to warm one’s soul.
As the world awakens out of the deep slumber of winter’s death to the new birth of spring ,
Come welcome the Child of Joy, bask in His Light
As this festive season brings wonder, awe, joy, and amazement
May we remember to see the world through eyes that reflect the qualities of hope and joy
Come welcome the Child of Joy, bask in His Light
Let this be the Advent of our rebirth
The Light is coming and all of creation awaits its rebirth
May each of us turn to, and answer, the promises of the Child of Light
As we light the candle of hospitality in our windows, may we welcome the child of rebirth into our lives
Like the heat of the Yule log, may the love of the Child of joy burn in our hearts.
As the Yule log burns may we remember when the storms of life make us feel that the night is longest
We can have hope that the dawn is coming and all earthly things are temporary
As we welcome the Child of Joy, may we recognize the deep longing within our hearts for the divine presence within our lives
—
By Timothy Mather
This is really does stretch across several religions….I love the pic matched up with it….bravo Tim! 🙂 definitely a classic!
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Thanks for your help with it. Without Deb and you I wouldn’t be successful in anything I write.
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Ohhhhhhh….how you underestimate yourself…;)
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This is one of my favorite seasonal poems I have read this year. I have always greatly appreciated the Celtic spiritual tradition, especially made manifest in verse, with its lively quality of connectivity with nature and mythological material as well, combining both Christian and pre-Christian references. Tim Mather continues the old bardic tradition with all its warmth and vigor for this holy Christmas Season. “Come, Welcome the Child of Joy, Bask in His Light…”
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Thanks so much for sharing. The tales of the Holly King and the Oak King are part of the social history and mythology of the British Isles. Many of us still use them as metaphors for the changes of the seasons and the turning of the Wheel of the Year.
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As a Celtophile, I love the language of the old legends, especially involving different plants and trees, like the holly and the oak.
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Very nice!! Thank you for sharing. I follow a path off my Scottish ancestors and The Irish Tuatha de Dannan myself XXX
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I have always enjoyed learning about the mythology surrounding the Tuatha de Dannan bound up in the spirituality of the land. I was very impressed by the song “The Gathering” by Spiral Dance. Really brought the mythology to life for me!
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Yes, the Tuatha de Dannan decide whom they align with and are strong, empowered allies to protect, help, encourage,entwine with.Tribe Of Danu, the Warrior Fey of Ireland of Olde. My Gran was from Galway and believed in the Fey as well.
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That is a truly lovely poem! Although I do have a very feminist friend who would have a problem with “Father Sun” or any kind of male deity at all. You will not ever please everyone, so be true to your own path and honoring the fact that we all have different relationships with the Divine. As a “Christ-Pagan”, I Loved it!
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Lovely poem very appropriate for my needs and the season. Thank you for posting.
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Lovely!
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Thank you for posting. It is a lovely poem to read at Solstice.
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Beautiful!
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This is beautiful; thank you. If you have more of his writing please share.
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This is wonderful! Thanks!
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…it is a lovely poem no matter who or what you are
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How by any definition could this lovely wish offensive to anyone, Christian or Pagan? I am OFFENDED by whiny politically correct crybabies. Thank you for this poem. ♥
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Wonderful poem.
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Thank You!I am overwhelmed by your kind words. I try to live by the Celtic tradition of a boon for a boon, and a gift for a gift, and you have all truly gifted me.
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I think this is beautiful.
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Thank you for your post. I so enjoyed it.
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It’s very nice! I like it! The intent seems celebratory to me…
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Reblogged this on Plen an Gwari.
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