Advent

  • Advent 5

    A winter blizzard separates us–you are two miles away,but may as well be in Sitka. My normal snowstorm excitementdrifts over with loneliness. I think I'm craving you,but what I may be cravingis a tranquil, storm-embraced me. Text and image ©… Continue reading

  • Advent 4

    Giving voice to Winnie the Pooh,A. A. Milne wrote,“Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon." I have the same experience of a Christmas tree. Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading

  • Advent 2

    Ah, those pearly gates:when you stand in the scanner,hands forming a triangle over your head,St. Peter won't be checkingfor circumcision,a membership card,or any belief in particular,but signs of being-like-Christ:kindness,justice,and a heart so broken,there's room enough to drive a whole tuckload… Continue reading

  • Advent 1

    I hear the blareof ancient, dented, tarnished trumpets:judgment day? Am I ready? "Relax," says God,"These mothballed tootersannounce reconciliation (not punishment),healing (not diagnosis),transformation (not exposure),a massive promotion (not downsizing).These honks haul y'all heavenward." With a grin as wide as all creationand… Continue reading

  • Psychic Knots

    I spent this morninguntying psychic knots…    not unlike untangling Christmas lights,    or undoing the knot I unintentionally  yanked into my shoelace,    or loosening the matted hair in my cat's calico coat,except this is a mass of my… Continue reading

  • Bring It On

    Advent means coming.The Promise on the way.Salvation crouching, encroaching.Deliverance, peace, joy    slinking behind Home Depot, the tree, the punch bowl,    ready to spring on us. I wait. I open and sit in silence.I settle into awareness.I allow space for Love.I relinquish my grasp,    ready… Continue reading