Spirituality

Poem 737 – Ten Lines, Ten Minutes

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I only had ten minutes to trace the journey
from heaven to earth, the Word to flesh descending.
The Son becoming one with us for love
takes on our form, enters fragility,
and there is shunned. Pursued they flee,
the holy family, to Egypt’s bosom.
Asylum sought, by strangers saved, until
at last they can return. Can time compress
this sacrifice? Ten minutes can’t suffice,
but asks us if we’d welcome them today.

I had the privilege of preaching at a local church’s carol service today, and the challenge of compressing the awe and challenge of Christmas into just ten minutes. I thought I’d try again in ten lines.
(21.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Kevin Bückert on Unsplash

Poem 735 – Abracadabra?

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A card trick?
In front of a school of children?
What could possibly go wrong?
In fact it turns out quite a lot…

They say that if at first you don’t
succeed, that you should try, try, try
again? But after that? Press on?

Eventually it worked, I think,
a prize for my resilience but
I think they may have noticed…

And so I waved my magic wand
and wished myself away. Alas,
I failed to manage that as well!

Every year I do the school Christingle service on the last day of term. It has become a tradition that I do a Christmas magic trick. Usually it works…
(19.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Clifford Photography on Unsplash

Poem 732 – Our Twelve Days of Christmas

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Around the table the verses spin
Chaotically bouncing from side to side
Like a wounded bird upon the wing.
They start hopefully, flying with haste
Then hesitate, stumbling slowly,
Limping along the table settings.
At five gold rings they start to sing
A note of lifting melody
That somehow helps us to the end.

The highlight of the day was a hilarious rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas at our Drop In Christmas lunch today. Magnificent.
(16.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Bob Frewin on Unsplash

Poem 731 – Mary’s Mum

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Why did you go and do that,
Are you out of your little mind?
A pea in the pod? You’re crazy!
A bun in the oven? You’re mad!

They’re saying you’re up the duff,
If not perhaps it’s the pole,
Or have you gone all old school
And are wearing your bustle wrong…

Knocked up – knocked out more like –
This isn’t the time for this.
Have you gone and got yourself pregnant,
For the sake of a hasty kiss?

I hope for your sake he’s special,
You’ve a life of pain ahead,
Don’t be telling me you did nothing
And this child was heaven sent…

This is the time to live,
Play hard, make friends, have fun,
Not sacrifice it all,
For the life of a single mum.

Inevitably the Christmas story is very much on my mind right now.
(15.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Poem 729 – Prepared

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The lights are on,
The tree erected,
Nativity placed
Upon its ledge.

The cards delivered
And guests invited,
The talk is written,
Song sheets in place.

The car is packed,
Set list confirmed,
We’re ready for carols,
Our Christ has come.

Tomorrow afternoon it’s our carol service – come and join us! https://wormleyfreechurch.org.uk/2025/11/24/christmas25/
(13.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Owen.outdoors: https://www.pexels.com/photo/christmas-carol-sheet-music-with-decorations-29756511/

Poem 728 – Christmas Lights

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A chain of dancing lights effortlessly
pirouette across the darkened stage.
Full of childhood innocence, they search
us out, then smile and wave in recognition.
In that moment, our weariness subsides
and we return the smile with glowing faces.
But innocence must end, their moment passes,
and as the day begins they take their bow.

We decorated the church last night. Every year, the putting up of these lights officially signals the start of festivities, combining childhood memories and contemporary meaning.
(12.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025