This stanza—“Good song bursts ripe pulp / on my tongue, / hangs / glistening in dark air”—is filled with so much unexpected and robust imagery that I’ve had to reread it multiple times in awe! And the final stanza, plus the acknowledgment of the reality that the hosts in the sky were likely just as terrifying as they were beautiful, is rich and intelligent and timely. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Rachel, I wrestled with that stanza in particular, wondering if the mixed metaphors were too confusing. Then suddenly it came to me that the synesthesia I am learning about might be at play in all the sensory riot, so I leaned into it and let the interplay of images communicate the overwhelming overload of an angelic visitation. I am thrilled these lines spoke to you. Thank you for blessing me with this thoughtful comment.
I’m so happy to hear this, Kayla. Thank you for reading and for writing such a thoughtful comment. Sitting with my Bible open as I write is such a blessing. It is my favorite way to let Scripture work its way deep into my marrow. Praise God for His Spirit’s continuing counsel in our lives, speaking to us as we read His word (Wonderful Counselor!) as the Word Became Flesh intercedes for us even now (Mighty God!) before the throne of the Almighty (Everlasting Father!) as He shapes His bride into a church ready for His return. May His peace fill our hearts as a fountain (Prince of Peace) now and in increasing measure in 2026.
This is indeed a very beautiful poem. It should be a season of love for all, though sadly so many are in sorrow, grief, distress, pain or simply confusion. Which is to say that Christmas bears that burden as much as any day.
My own heart is heavy right now, but your writing brought some warmth into my day.
I hope you and the family have a truly wonderful and loving Christmas.
Thank you, Dave! Sending warm wishes to you and Meg and your family for a joyful holiday season. I hope you guys are staying healthy! Our boys are currently trading a virus around the house, but I am taking it as an opportunity to get cozy with lots of tea and read-alouds, and of course my husband is getting all sorts of projects done around the house, so I suppose there’s an upside even to these sick days. LOL
Oh, Abigail, this was beautiful. I loved reading about your thought process. How sweet that your husband and boys get to do this together. I hope you and your family have a most Merry Christmas!
Thank you, dear friend. I keep thinking, “He himself is our peace, who has made the two one…” Eph 2:14. May his peace reign in our hearts and homes this Christmas and all year. Sending you love!
This was so beautiful! Your composition notes also struck a chord. Thank you for sharing 💗
Thank you for reading, Amy, and for this thoughtful comment.
You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14
Mists trying to wrestle living poems into words… curiouser and curiouser.
This is wonderful, Abigail, all of it. Thank you!
Thank you, friend. 💚
This stanza—“Good song bursts ripe pulp / on my tongue, / hangs / glistening in dark air”—is filled with so much unexpected and robust imagery that I’ve had to reread it multiple times in awe! And the final stanza, plus the acknowledgment of the reality that the hosts in the sky were likely just as terrifying as they were beautiful, is rich and intelligent and timely. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Rachel, I wrestled with that stanza in particular, wondering if the mixed metaphors were too confusing. Then suddenly it came to me that the synesthesia I am learning about might be at play in all the sensory riot, so I leaned into it and let the interplay of images communicate the overwhelming overload of an angelic visitation. I am thrilled these lines spoke to you. Thank you for blessing me with this thoughtful comment.
I just watched "Kevin Costner presents: the First Christmas" last night and this beautifully added to my reflections, thank you.
I’m so happy to hear this, Kayla. Thank you for reading and for writing such a thoughtful comment. Sitting with my Bible open as I write is such a blessing. It is my favorite way to let Scripture work its way deep into my marrow. Praise God for His Spirit’s continuing counsel in our lives, speaking to us as we read His word (Wonderful Counselor!) as the Word Became Flesh intercedes for us even now (Mighty God!) before the throne of the Almighty (Everlasting Father!) as He shapes His bride into a church ready for His return. May His peace fill our hearts as a fountain (Prince of Peace) now and in increasing measure in 2026.
Dear Abigail
This is indeed a very beautiful poem. It should be a season of love for all, though sadly so many are in sorrow, grief, distress, pain or simply confusion. Which is to say that Christmas bears that burden as much as any day.
My own heart is heavy right now, but your writing brought some warmth into my day.
I hope you and the family have a truly wonderful and loving Christmas.
Best Wishes - Dave
Thank you, Dave! Sending warm wishes to you and Meg and your family for a joyful holiday season. I hope you guys are staying healthy! Our boys are currently trading a virus around the house, but I am taking it as an opportunity to get cozy with lots of tea and read-alouds, and of course my husband is getting all sorts of projects done around the house, so I suppose there’s an upside even to these sick days. LOL
Oh, Abigail, this was beautiful. I loved reading about your thought process. How sweet that your husband and boys get to do this together. I hope you and your family have a most Merry Christmas!
Thank you, dear friend. I keep thinking, “He himself is our peace, who has made the two one…” Eph 2:14. May his peace reign in our hearts and homes this Christmas and all year. Sending you love!