Framed by her most famous poems, 'In the Bleak Midwinter' and 'Love Came Down at Christmas', this daily devotional explores Advent and Christmas through the poetry of Christina Rossetti. As both a poet of the first order and a leading 19th century Anglo-Catholic, Rossetti's rich and wondrous faith provides an inspiring seasonal companion.
For each day there is a poem with a reflection that draws on Rossetti's writings, such as her devotional journal and biblical commentary, encompassing a rich variety of themes:
-'Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone' - setting out on the Advent journey, temptation, failure and restoration.
-Heaven and earth shall flee away, when he comes to reign' - preparation, longing, desire for God, renunciation and need.
-'Enough for him, whom Cherubim worship night and day' - rejoicing and repentance, delight in God's mercy and grace.
-'Angels and Archangels may have gathered there' - Annunciation, promise, new life and God's abundance.
-'What can I give him, poor as I am?' - birth, innocence, vulnerability and wonder.
-'Love Came Down' - God's love and grace in a violent world.
