Thank you. I had seen the image but not the music, and the music reallly helped make meaning of the image. There is a powerful yearning to keep finding ways to build with the rubble, see around the shards and find each other, work towards the dream Isaiah saw. And keeping in mind the connection with Isaiah really helps me see Christmas differently... It's not just this one day's magic, this (advertised) feeling of joy we're supposed to have sparkling within each of us for a day once a year. It's this ancient vision that is so much bigger and stronger than any of us. May it be so.
The line "take new lodgings in my heart" immediately reminded me of Randall Thompson's choral work "The Best of Rooms", based on a text by 17th century Anglican Robert Herrick: "Christ, He requires still, wheresoe'er He comes, To feed, or lodge, to have the best of rooms; Give Him the choice; grant Him the nobler part Of all the house: the best of all's the heart.". It's a beautiful piece and I think you can find it on youtube and such.
The Dream Isaiah Saw is a beautiful piece I had never heard. I am not sure how I interpret Isaiah's vision these days but it is a wonderful dream to reflect on.
The Bethlehem photo is so haunting. What a pilgrimage to Bethlehem this year! And it is right there, in the suffering of the world, where the Divine wants to find her dwelling place. Here, in my pained heart, overwhelmed by the suffering of this world, here in my humble, scattered stable? Am I Mary, am I Bethlehem? Are we?
My eye is drawn to the figures at the back of the image, the way that they literally must climb through, peer through rubble to behold the holy light of the Christ child. Im sure there are layers of significance here, I will let them emerge, slowly.
Thank you Diana. I’ve seen that picture several times. I’ve been to Bethlehem several times. On the news this morning I saw pictures of the empty Church of the Nativity every time I’ve been the church has been filled with people from all over the world. It has always inspired me being in that Holy space hearing so many different languages. My heart breaks for many reasons especially the friends I’ve made living in Israel and the West Bank. The people of Gaza are being tormented every day along with those living in Ukraine. My denomination UMC is deeply divided and my church family has splintered. It’s hard to find peace but I keep hearing Isaiah’s dream. We cling to Hope.
The juxtaposition of the images and music is expansive of the spirit and awakens my heart to join with God and these children through their suffering. In hope that the light of Isaiah's dream will overcome the dark forces of our world, tomorrow we light the candle of love. Come Lord Jesus.
Thank you Diana for your moving meditation at this very special time of year. What is going on in the world now is heartbreaking especially for children. May all of us pray for the world this Christmas Eve. 💖🎄💖🙏💖
I am Michelynn McKnight. I posted the two comments below attributed to Sherry Stewart. I do not know why they are attributed to my friend Sherry to whom I recently gave a Cottage subscription.
Well, that's weird. I'll have my husband (who handles the tech side of the Cottage) look into it. Can you send us an email at: the dot cottage dot email at gmail dot com?
Thank you. I had seen the image but not the music, and the music reallly helped make meaning of the image. There is a powerful yearning to keep finding ways to build with the rubble, see around the shards and find each other, work towards the dream Isaiah saw. And keeping in mind the connection with Isaiah really helps me see Christmas differently... It's not just this one day's magic, this (advertised) feeling of joy we're supposed to have sparkling within each of us for a day once a year. It's this ancient vision that is so much bigger and stronger than any of us. May it be so.
The line "take new lodgings in my heart" immediately reminded me of Randall Thompson's choral work "The Best of Rooms", based on a text by 17th century Anglican Robert Herrick: "Christ, He requires still, wheresoe'er He comes, To feed, or lodge, to have the best of rooms; Give Him the choice; grant Him the nobler part Of all the house: the best of all's the heart.". It's a beautiful piece and I think you can find it on youtube and such.
The Dream Isaiah Saw is a beautiful piece I had never heard. I am not sure how I interpret Isaiah's vision these days but it is a wonderful dream to reflect on.
Oh, dear God . . . please.
The Bethlehem photo is so haunting. What a pilgrimage to Bethlehem this year! And it is right there, in the suffering of the world, where the Divine wants to find her dwelling place. Here, in my pained heart, overwhelmed by the suffering of this world, here in my humble, scattered stable? Am I Mary, am I Bethlehem? Are we?
So moving. When will there be peace?
My eye is drawn to the figures at the back of the image, the way that they literally must climb through, peer through rubble to behold the holy light of the Christ child. Im sure there are layers of significance here, I will let them emerge, slowly.
Thank you Diana. I’ve seen that picture several times. I’ve been to Bethlehem several times. On the news this morning I saw pictures of the empty Church of the Nativity every time I’ve been the church has been filled with people from all over the world. It has always inspired me being in that Holy space hearing so many different languages. My heart breaks for many reasons especially the friends I’ve made living in Israel and the West Bank. The people of Gaza are being tormented every day along with those living in Ukraine. My denomination UMC is deeply divided and my church family has splintered. It’s hard to find peace but I keep hearing Isaiah’s dream. We cling to Hope.
The juxtaposition of the images and music is expansive of the spirit and awakens my heart to join with God and these children through their suffering. In hope that the light of Isaiah's dream will overcome the dark forces of our world, tomorrow we light the candle of love. Come Lord Jesus.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Diana, as always.
That picture of the Nativity in the rubble was very moving.
When will we have peace?
Dear Diana, I’m so grateful for you and The Cottage. This was the best way I could start today. God bless you and keep you and yours. Peace~~
Thank you Diana for your moving meditation at this very special time of year. What is going on in the world now is heartbreaking especially for children. May all of us pray for the world this Christmas Eve. 💖🎄💖🙏💖
I am Michelynn McKnight. I posted the two comments below attributed to Sherry Stewart. I do not know why they are attributed to my friend Sherry to whom I recently gave a Cottage subscription.
Well, that's weird. I'll have my husband (who handles the tech side of the Cottage) look into it. Can you send us an email at: the dot cottage dot email at gmail dot com?
Thanks for the help!! Fixed now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QoiwvLLh8E
This is a more interesting performance of the same piece ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QoiwvLLh8E