Advent by Christina Georgina Rossetti
Watchers endure long Advent nights, questioning a watchman who reports no sign of dawn and encouraging one another to trust Christ's promise. They anticipate reunion with loved ones and rest with Christ, holding to Him through tears until the hoped-for daybreak.
By Christina Georgina Rossetti · Genre: Christian Devotional Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 572 words
First lines
This Advent moon shines cold and clear, / These Advent nights are long; / Our lamps have burned year after year, / And still their flame is strong. / "Watchman, what of the night? " we cry, / Heart-sick with hope deferred: / "No speaking signs are in the sky," / Is still the watchman's word.
The Porter watches at the gate, / The servants watch within; / The watch is long betimes and late, / The prize is slow to win. / "Watchman, what of the night? " but still / His answer sounds the same: / "No daybreak tops the utmost hill, / Nor pale our lamps of flame."
Genres
- Christian Devotional Poetry — The watchers affirm Christ's promise, anticipate rest with Him, and cling to Him while awaiting His blessing.
- Lyric Poetry — Rhymed stanzas and a collective speaking voice express the watchers' weariness, tears, and persistent hope.
Tags
watchfulness · Christian devotion · hope deferred · heavenly reunion
What this Textopian page supports
Advent is listed on Textopian as a poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Christina Georgina Rossetti
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Christian Devotional Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 572 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Advent by Christina Georgina Rossetti
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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