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This reflection was written over several weeks. The timeline twists a little, but I think our readers can follow along with this tired mommy’s brain.
I realized several days into Advent that I hadn’t read anything: none of our lovely advent devotionals. I forgot, despite speed reading this lovely Advent book before Thanksgiving.
As we celebrate the advent of the Christ Child, my own small child is keeping me occupied. (Currently he’s snoring against me in his carrier while I edit this!)
A Liturgy of Classics
I have been reading poetry in this new season. I read Peter Spier’s To Market To Market for the third time this morning. My audience was more focused on nursing though one small bright eye occasionally fixated on the book.
I’ve read Snuggle Puppy as he kicks happily on the changing table.
I’ve read, and re-read, some of my favorite A. A. Milne poems:
- Buckingham Palace
- Lines and Squares
- The King’s Breakfast
And, relishing …
I don’t recall what I was relishing, it’s been a couple weeks. (Looking at my list as I edit, I bet it was relishing reading Bad Sir Brian Botany!)
Charlie is ever more alert at 9 weeks old. Yesterday he looked amused when I read Moo, Ba, La La La! –probably because of Mommy’s evident enthusiasm.
The Incarnate Marvel
Advent is different this season. A new print sits on my piano, a mother cradling a baby: it’s called Comfort and Joy from the lovely PevensiePrints.
Singing “Silent Night” at church while my own infant sleeps takes the familiar words but puts flesh to them. As we sing, I marvel.
Christ, the LORD, became a baby.
As I write this sentence, Charlie is nursing and a small foot is nudging at my leg, exploring as he eats.
The son of God became a baby.
As my own son is drifting off, I hold one sleepy hand and marvel. The Lord of the universe reduced to an infant, yet there is so much hope in a King who came down. Infant holy, infant lowly indeed.
Come into our broken world.
The Lamb, helpless and dependent on a human mother.
With the angels, all I can say is “glory to God in the highest” this holy season.
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