Saturday, December 24, 2011

Trying On Advent - Christmas Eve

Celebrating the birth of Christ

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Ever so tenderly,
hold this baby close to your heart.
Swaddle him in arms of warmth and love.
Cradled to your breast,
your face buried into his very being,
breathe deeply, peacefully
whispering sweet words
only he can hear.
He is the way, the truth and the life.
Never let him go.

Hearts beating so close together,
love and holiness seem inseparable.
Sing softly songs of praise
as Heaven's breath warms your embrace.
Amazingly,
a tiny hand curls around your finger,
gripping your hand and heart.
He is the way, the truth and the life.
He will never let you go.

Patricia Spreng

So, at the end of this Advent season, on the Eve of Christ's birth, I leave you with my photographs of the monarch's birth.  





Throughout this Advent series, my photographs and observations of the monarch butterfly have attempted to depict the waiting we experience in Advent.  I know it is has been quite a stretch to compare the waiting for the Son of God and the waiting for a monarch butterfly to hatch.  For me, it has been an exploration of sorts… a wait and see  kind of writing project.  Of course, I did not have the whole series thought out and ready for posting when I began.  So, in that regard, I have enjoyed the waiting to see how and if Advent could possibly correlate to the monarch waiting and watching.  I have loved the contemplative time, and the opportunity to sort through and compare what turned out to be 3 things… remembering the waiting for the Christ child, waiting in hope for Christ to transform me, and waiting in faith for His return.  The past, present and future.  It has led me through some interesting thought processes to say the least.   

The dictionary meaning of the word "monarch" is not lost on me,  "sovreign, esp. as king; a supreme, powerful being." The Greek word monarches means sole ruler.  Yes... soul ruler.  Throughout the waiting, He has proven himself to be faithful, present and powerful from the smallest seed, through the darkest night, to the birth of his promise in the fullness of time.  Immanuel, God with us.  Oh, come... let us adore Him.
  
 From my family to yours...  Merry Christmas and God bless you all.
May you know the nearness and peace of God this Christmas.
Patricia Spreng


11 comments:

  1. Wonderful picture, Pat. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  2. Merry Christmas, my sweet friend. These photos of the Monarch emerging brought me to tears this morning. Such a perfect metaphor. Some days I still feel the pain of that bursting forth. But so, so grateful He took the cross for me.

    So much love to you this Christmas.

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  3. what a wonderful series of pics...we are on the cusp...and i hope that you have a very merry christmas!

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  4. what a lovely family!! your poem made me think of the song..mary don't you know that your baby boy will someday walk on water... so gentle.. and love the pics of the birth of the butterfly..have a great christmas pat

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  5. Wonderful poem. Amazing photos.

    Merry Christmas, Patricia, to you and yours.

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  6. Lovely monarch pictures (like your header) and your family picture is so nice.

    Wishing you Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year ~

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  7. beautiful images. transformation happens with pain, i guess. christ endured a lot of pain, none for good reason. he is the king becuz he showed this world for what it was: widespread injustice. and he took his punishment for not conforming while forgiving his murderers. if he came back, i reckon the same thing would happen.
    great write.
    merry christmas:)

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  8. Beautiful... thank you

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  9. Ah, Patty-girl - this is so gorgeous. Thanks so much for your Advent wonderings this year - loved them all. And your family is PERFECT. Hope your day was both peaceful and fun - and with you there, it was sure to be both. Happy New Year, too!

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  10. The image of the tiny curling hand is wonderful, and so well reinforced by the minute, unfurling strength in the monarch images. We too had a chrysalis -- ours in a jar, and it was the palest of jade greens. It's interesting to think of that colour alongside Christmas greens, and to work on a cool juxtaposition the way you have. Hope you had a beautiful holiday!

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  11. Wow...thats a great poem and some awesome monarch pictures!!
    Your family is lovely!
    God bless!

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