In these Advent poems Fr Mark Skelton guides us towards the Christ-child and inspires our faith along the way.
Every Valley, Every Hill
Each mountain, towering overhead
and glowering in its arrogance;
or valley, dark and menacing,
with shadows hiding danger’s grasp,
make journeys cragged and creviced crowned,
where those who travel, labour on.
Their struggles, drawing them to dream
of times when nature is redeemed.
These mountains, humbly, prostrate fall
and lie in honour of a king.
And darkened valleys rise, exult,
and open up their hearts to sing.
And everyone who walks will see
the path unfurling into light.
And each will stride, with joyous grace,
towards God’s house, a hope filled place.
(After Isaiah 40:4-5)
The Sacred Way
This road, which winds through desert sands
and marks a path through rocks and stones,
is safe for all who join its ride
to track their journey’s moving on.
They seek their future’s peace.
And beasts of anger, blood and hate
will find no means of ent’ring in.
No one of evil heart can join,
to stride along its hallowed route.
This pathway shields no shade.
No fool will stray along its trail.
So does this mean they too are barred?
And so they languish, loose and lost,
to wander with no hope or help.
Or might it be this glorious truth?
That we, the fools who stumble on,
will find, with each mistaken step,
the way will curve its blessed route,
to mould the means to hold us close.
And our foolhardy twists and turns
are held and channelled to the True.
(After Isaiah 35:8-9)
By Fr Mark Skelton.
A priest of the Plymouth Diocese and a poet who has always had a keen interest in the interface between Literature and Theology.
Bishop Peter Brignall invites us to share a simple ceremony of lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath. Download the resource for free here.
