Winter Views
Winter Views
Winter Views
Winter Views
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There's something so inviting and peaceful about a bench...
Of course, it's a little too cold to accept the invitation of this icy bench right now! Yet, walking by it on the trail that loops around the Lake, I still want to sit there (in warmer weather) just thinking and imagining. A bench by the water is perfect for contemplation.
I do give a tip of a hat (or, in this case, my winter knit cap) to anyone who can work that word—contemplation—into the lyrics of a song. And a Scottish poet did just that.
At the age of only 23, James Montgomery became the editor of the Sheffield Register, which he renamed the Sheffield Iris. His efforts there might have impressed Ebenezer Scrooge even before his reclamation.
Using words as weapons, James Montgomery fought for the abolition of slavery and to shield children from the terrible conditions of work as chimney sweeps.
His beautiful Christmas hymn, "Angels From the Realms of Glory," first appeared in the Iris on Christmas Eve in 1816. On frosty-air mornings leading up to Christmas, I think of these lyrics as I walk by the "thoughtful" bench:
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star.
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
Winter Views
The "Thoughtful" Christmas Bench
There's something inviting and peaceful about a bench...
Of course, it's a little too cold to accept the invitation of this icy bench right now! Yet, walking by it on my favorite trail, I still want to sit here (in warmer weather) just thinking and imagining. A bench by the water is perfect for contemplation.
I tip my hat (or, in this case, my winter knit cap) to anyone who can work that word—contemplation—into the lyrics of a song. And a Scottish poet did just that.
At the age of 23, James Montgomery became the editor of the newspaper, the Sheffield Register, which he renamed the Sheffield Iris. His efforts as editor might have impressed Ebenezer Scrooge even before his reclamation.
Using words as healing weapons, James Montgomery fought for the abolition of slavery and to shield children from their work conditions as chimney sweeps.
His beautiful Christmas hymn, "Angels, From the Realms of Glory," first appeared in the Iris on the Christmas Eve of 1816.
On frosty-air mornings leading up to Christmas, sing this hymn or another favorite as you walk by a "thoughtful" bench in your neighborhood.
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star.
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
