Tag Archives: Christmas

Birds as Heavenly Messengers

A Scott Bates poem about birds flocking around feeders in the snow captures the mystical transformation that cultures dream of during the dark days of winter.

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Christmas at Cohen’s Garage

Scott Bates updates the birth of Jesus, having him born in a gas station.

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Mary’s Moment of Choice

Levertov’s “Annunciation” and a Christmas Eve message.

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Sir Gawain and the Winter Solstice

“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” pits paganism’s Winter Solstice against Christmas. But reconciliation is possible.

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Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New

“Ring Out Wild Bells” is as strong a poetic affirmation of hope as is to be found anywhere.

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What Shines Now in the Dark of Night?

Rilke’s “Birth of Christ” emphasizes the simplicity of the moment.

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An Xmas Story about Political Polarization

Elizabeth Gaskell wrote a Christmas story in 1848 about rival political factions learning to get along. One can dream.

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Dickens’s Evolving View of Christmas

Dickens didn’t so much invent Christmas–or even reinvent it–as supercharge it. “A Christmas Carol” was key in the endeavor.

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Our Christmases Always Involved Books

Growing up, our Christmases were always filled with books. This Scott Bates poem captures the spirit.

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