Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim

‘Twas the Ninth Day of Christmas

Nine ladies dancing – a recurring themeWhen Spirit is broached, or so it would seem ‘Tis Spirit’s nine fruits, emerging in timeA sign of her work in a soul’s growth sublime. Love, joy and peace a-twirlingWhile Patience, kindness, and goodness Sync their pirouetteAnd faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control Complete the set with a new pas-de-trois. (c)Continue reading “‘Twas the Ninth Day of Christmas”

‘Twas the Eighth Day of Christmas

The milk of human kindnessThese eight maids bring on the scene;‘Tis the servanthood of ChristlikenessThat is central to this theme. And eight signs the core of salvationFrom ark to fresh possibility;Lay the number on its sideAnd it becomes the truth of infinity (c) Dennis Ryle December 2025

‘Twas the Seventh Day of Christmas

Seven swans a-swimming, Black feathered in this corner of the earth, Affirming Spirit’s seven traits, Each desiring to bring birth. Speech that reveals, Service that frees, Teaching that enlarges, Encouragement that strengthens, Giving that empties, Generosity that fills, Compassion that enfolds. (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024

‘Twas the Fifth day of Christmas

“Where are the gold rings?” we queryFive more birds – a poultry song – how leery!Gold-ringed pheasants, so we are told,Not jewellery, such assertion is bold. Bible’s first books some insistAre the five rings we aren’t meant to resistFoundations of gold in precious metalRather than feathers and wings that seem much more fickle. Yet SpiritContinue reading “‘Twas the Fifth day of Christmas”

‘Twas the Fourth Day of Christmas

Four calling birds Down UnderWould be kookaburras, and no wonder! Announcers sublime, they herald the time When Good News burst abroad like thunder. (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024 And here’s how they used to announce the Movietone newshttps://teara.govt.nz/files/high_source/26150-pc-h.mp4Traditionally the calling birds stand for the four gospels (“good news”).

‘Twas the Third Day of Christmas

Three French Hens have such obvious symbolism in the Western Christian tradition. I found it challenging to come up with a fresh approach for writing about them. I unashamedly asked AI to come to the party and lend some inspiration. It gave me a picture and a story, evidently concocted from a variety of sourcesContinue reading “‘Twas the Third Day of Christmas”

‘Twas the Second Day of Christmas

Two turtle doves keep partridge company!What on earth can they mean?So docile and peaceful ‘Gainst Boxing Day sales’ frantic scene! Christmas reflections continueSome teach Old and New Testament in disguise‘Twould seem Law and GraceFind balance in a manger’s surprise. (c) Dennis Ryle, December 2024

‘Twas the First Day of Christmas

Partridge, pear tree, and Christ candleHint that Christmas has not ended, but come.For retail the season has passed;For the cosmos, the feast’s just begun. Far from a Bethlehem mangerWhere cloaked figures pay their respect,In hearts given to pause and attentionThe Christ is reborn among those who reflect. We sing of twelve days for such pondering,TheContinue reading “‘Twas the First Day of Christmas”