Christmas – Wondering Pilgrim

‘Twas the Twelfth Day of Christmas

He expanded his repertoireAs Parump-a-Pum-Pum grewHis unique gift to expandTwelve drummers give due. Now twelve days is upThe New Year begunEpiphany’s hereAs bright as the sun! (c) Dennis Ryle January 2025

‘Twas the Eleventh Day of Christmas

Eleven Pipers Piping?Apostles remaining, they say,After one sold his soulAnd gave his whole life away. The spot soon filled by MatthiasNo gap would last very longThe Book tells of their great venturesAnd the pipers rejoice in their song! (c) Dennis Ryle January 2025

‘Twas the Tenth Day of Christmas

Ten lords a-leapingIn such joyful festive mood.To suggest over-imbibementWould seem abundantly rude! Rather a disguise for ten commandments‘Oft displayed in halls dim and dour.Together they express the Shalom,Of joy that is meant to endure. (c) Dennis Ryle January 2025

‘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 Sixth Day of Christmas

Six geese a layin’On Creation’s doorstep a-playin’Six days give birth Sun, moon, and starsEarth, sea, and plantsNow all creatures a-prayin’ (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”