"Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."
--G.K. Chesterton
"The man's body is sacred and the woman's body is sacred.../Each belongs here or anywhere just as much as the well-off, just as much as you."
--Walt Whitman
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According to the Buddha, right speech is a statement that is timely, true, kind, helpful (connected to liberation), and spoken with a mind of good-will. Let us all try to observe this precept.
Advent is an occasion to learn some lesser-known hymns that are as beautiful and haunting as any Christmas carol, and haven't been ruined by Alvin and the Chipmunks piping them over the speakers at Wal-Mart. The Daily Office today featured one of my favorites (click here to sing along):
"How far from home?" I asked as on
I bent my steps - the Watchman spake:
"The long, dark night is almost gone,
the morning soon will break.
Then, weep no more,but speed your flight,
with Hope's bright star your guiding ray;
'til you shall reach the realms of light,
in everlasting day."
I asked the travelers in the way,
this was their soul-inspiring song:
"With courage bold,we'll journey today;
the road won't be too long.
Then, weep no more, but well endure,
the highway 'til your work is done.
For this we know, the prize is sure,
and victory will be won."
I asked again; earth, sea, and sun
seemed with one voice to make reply:
"Time's wasting sands are nearly run,
eternity is nigh.
Then, weep no more,with warning tones,
portentous sights are thickening round;
the whole creation waiting groans,
to hear the trumpet sound."
Not far from home? O, blessed thought!
The traveler's lonely heart to cheer;
which oft a healing balm has brought
and dried the mourner's tear.
Then, weep no more since we shall meet
where weary footsteps never roam.
Our trials past, our joys complete,
safe in our Maker's home.
Words: Annie Rebekah Smith (19th C)
Music: Tis Midnight Hour (anonymous)
12/4/2009 8:33 PM
Vicky Gouldthorp wrote:
Hi Jendi. I just wanted to thank you for posting "How Far From Home". Every Christmas I strive to find more of what Christmas should be. This is absolutely beautiful, and puts my heart in a more peaceful, joyful place. Blessings to you and yours. Reply to this
12/5/2009 6:00 PM
Jendi Reiter wrote:
I'm so glad to hear that, Vicky! Merry Christmas and blessings to you too. Folks, check out Vicky's latest prizewinning story at Winning Writers.
