{advent} pondering

Snowfall, originally uploaded by 5533.

The snow is falling in earnest again. It's difficult to concentrate on mundane work when it looks like a fairyland outside.

At long last, we put up a few Christmas decorations yesterday, so the house looks slightly more festive. Normally, we have them up close to the beginning of the month, but this year some dear friends gave us their dining table and sofa set, so our living room/dining room was a no-go area until we got rid of our old furniture. After that was accomplished, we decided to go with a minimal approach to our decorations - just our small tree and a few candles. Uncluttered. Ideally, undistracted. However that part is easier said than done. This season, like all others, is fraught with distractions, and I am very easily distracted.

This year, I want to make a conscious decision to stop. To ponder. To be like the Marys - who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to him (Luke 10:39), who treasured the true beauty of Christmas, pondering it in her heart (Luke 2:19).

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the king,
Whom shepherds worship and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him praise
The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Come, have no fear; God's son is here,
His love all loves exceeding

Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail, the Saviour comes,
The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
While Mary sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

- William Chatterton Dix (1865)

Listen to an exquisite version here.