Monthly Archives: December 2018

Dec 24 – Christmas Eve, 1946, Marinette Wisconsin

Posted on December 24, 2018 by poetry

This photo was taken, probably by my Dad, in 1946.  Dr. Redeman, a family friend, was Santa. He visited the homes of parents with children on Christmas Eve in our small town. Three of us four children sit in little … Continue reading →

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December 23 – “O Emmanuel” the 7th and final O Antiphon

Posted on December 23, 2018 by poetry

Tuesday, December 23  —   “my little heart loses its limits in joy” Advent ends today: three plus weeks of prophecy daring us to see the world, realistically,  as  beautiful and beloved.   That dare can shake us when Advent’s antiphons … Continue reading →

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Dec 21 & 22 Antiphons 5 & 6

Posted on December 22, 2018 by poetry

December 21 – winter solstice  Antiphon 5 Friday , December 21  –  O Oriens” At Detroit’s latitude we will have 9 hours and 3 minutes of daylight, 14 hours and 57 minutes of night time. Our shortest day. Today’s O … Continue reading →

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Dec 20 – Antiphon # 4 – “O Key of David”

Posted on December 20, 2018 by poetry

Thursday  December 20 “Come and lead us who sit bound with chains in the prison house” This morning I’ll be driving the Ohio Turnpike to a working class suburb down river from Pittsburgh, Baden.  Spending some of the days deepest into Advent … Continue reading →

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Dec 19 – Antiphon # 3 “O Root of Jesse”

Posted on December 19, 2018 by poetry

Wednesday,  December 19 Today’s Antiphon, “O Root of Jesse,” grew out of two Biblical texts recounting the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23 and Matthew 1:1).  Both versions locate the new born baby as Jesus, a human being, more than as … Continue reading →

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Dec 18 O Antiphon # 2 – Robert Frost — sun or stars?

Posted on December 18, 2018 by poetry

Tuesday, December 18  –  “to ease attention off when overtight” We are 4 days out from the winter solstice, (http://www.calendarpedia.com/when-is/winter-solstice.html).   But that’s for the future.  Now is a time to treat long nights with respect (today: sunrise 7:56 am … Continue reading →

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Dec 17 – the first day as Advent folds toward Christmas O Antiphon # 1 – – “O Sapientia” (O Wisdom)

Posted on December 17, 2018 by poetry

Monday December 17  — “It is the 3 strange angels . . . ” The “O Antiphons” are one of the few song sets from the seven monastic liturgical hours.  Their poetry and song bring Advent wisdom to bear on this … Continue reading →

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dec 14 “two starlings dancing” a summer poem blooming in December, like a daffodil in a snow drift William Carlos Williams

Posted on December 14, 2018 by poetry

Friday, December 14 “that’s what got me to face into the wind’s teeth” I woke this morning with a taste of joy on my tongue, that despite a gaggle of angry news competing for time as we work our commitments. … Continue reading →

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Dec 12 – Remembering Bill Pauly, sj – who died suddenly on Nov 29, 2006 age 59

Posted on December 12, 2018 by poetry

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 “have a cup of tea and rejoice” These days of Advent — 4 weeks that dare us to imagine hope without denying violence, loss, and fear. Year by year, they stir my blood and fill me … Continue reading →

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December 10 dates I remember

Posted on December 10, 2018 by poetry

Monday, December 10, 2018 Over the years on my birthday, Dec 10, 1939; I’ve noticed some dates — one birth – Emily Dickenson in 1830, 3 deaths, and the Nobel Peace Prize award today in Stockholm. Here are three death … Continue reading →

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