Matchstick :: A poem for the First Sunday of Advent

This poem for the first Sunday of Advent is a meditation upon the humble matchstick, drawing on the theme of hope, the imagery of light, and the ancient words of the Nicene Creed. Every single, simple strike is an invitation to participate in the Advent reality of hope.

Matchstick

Strike!
This is the sound of hope
     one splinter of wood, dynamite tipped,
     dashed against a scrap of sandpaper
invisible breath of God ignited into a single flame
     small, but seen
     small, but just as much of the reality of day
as the great, blazing ball of glory hidden beyond 
     the rim of night,
     light of light,
     a begotten beacon in thick darkness 
a rising,
     first to waiting wombs
     and tiny, trembling yeses,
     and all the small forgotten
holding candle stubs. 

Lindsey Gallant
From Small: An Advent Poetry Sequence
Composed for the caregivers of The Good Samaritan Society (www.gss.org)
Illustration by Elizabeth Evans

Lindsey Gallant
A northern girl living the island life. Follower of Jesus. Writer, book nerd, nature lover. Homeschool mom and Charlotte Mason enthusiast. Prefers pen and paper.

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