Advent Wreath

By Susan Ceely Philips

Advent’s wreath is a symbol

of the Alpha and Omega of Life.

The circle never ends, but moves on

through our joy and through our strife.

The days begin in ignorance

of the dramatic change that’s to come,

With clues unfolding gradually

as to which of “God’s Will” will be done.

Angels appear in visions

to assign roles to the primary players

And, with each passing day, we come to see

a story revealed in layers.

One ‘event’ leads to another,

but all are intertwined,

Carrying us on to a climax

that begins the growth of the vine.

It’s the end of the world as we’ve known it,

But we’ve also begun anew.

The Alpha and Omega roll along

in the form of a wreath that’s imbued

With the grace and comfort and Hosannah!

that Advent seeks to portend,

Carrying us forward and surrounding us

like the arms of a compassionate friend.