Song for Advent #24: Magnificat in E - Sydney Watson (Merton College, Oxford choir)

Watson's setting of The Magnificat sung by Merton College choir. Mary's response to the message delivered by Gabriel. Anyone who says that you need to keep faith out of politics just needs to reflect on these words.

Song for Advent #22: Thorns in the Straw - Graham Kendrick

Thorns in the Straw, a gorgeous Christmas song from Graham Kendrick written from Mary's perspective reflecting on the future of her child. Appropriate for the Fourth Sunday of Advent when we remember Mary's obedience and faithfulness.

Dwell in Possibility

I was struck by the phrase ‘I dwell in Possibility’ from a poem by Emily Dickenson as a reflection on the Gospel reading for Sunday from Luke 1:26-38 The Annunciation. I’ll let Pastor Keith explain.

I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –

h/t Elizabeth Drescher

Visitation

I meant to post these photographs yesterday in celebration of the Visit of Mary to Elizabeth.



The sculpture is from the Church of the Visitation at Ein Karem. The courtyard wall is covered with the words of The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-56) in 42 different languages.



The pictures were taken during my sabbatical in 2008.

Doug Chaplin has posted an interesting comment about Joseph in Luke’s infancy narrative.