A great piece, thank you. I was twenty one in 1970 and living in a flat in Liverpool though I went home to Shropshire for Christmas. T S Eliot as you doubtless know was inspired by a sermon Lancelot Andrewes gave on Christmas morning in 1622. Bishop Andrewes presided over the writing of the King James Bible one of the most beautiful books in the English language. Happy Christmas.
Thank you, Maggie, for this post and the link. I did not know the origin of the poem. I read it in the Faber collection of his poems which I bought when I was a student here -- not of English btw. The first line has been stuck in my skull ever since. Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2026
Thank you Davis, all the best for next year, which as I mentioned to Jack above, promises to be dramatic. It feels like everything will come to a head.
Reading your wonderful piece this morning, Christmas morning, after an exhausting day yesterday with the grandchildren 2 and 4. I remember those 1970s cold days and nights with no central heating and then in 1973 we had the three day week and not even electric for a three bar fire most of the time. Your writing brings those days ( nights) to life again. You write beautifully and never disappoint. Enjoy a few days off over the holiday period with your delightful, clever daughter xxx
spent senior undergrad year 69-70 in St Andrews in Fife, with trips to London, and later visits too, so recall the fugue of the 2 and 3 strand heaters & other details - have an enterprising '26, and thank you so much for guidance through the great calamity that is ours. I need all the help I can get - Merry Christmas Michael!
A great starting for the season, Mike. From my CoPilot:
The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, is a massive, gilded reliquary housing the believed bones of the Biblical Magi (Three Wise Men), built between 1180-1225 by Nicholas of Verdun, considered a masterpiece of Mosan art, featuring intricate biblical scenes on its surfaces that tell the story of salvation. It's located behind the high altar, a central reason for the cathedral's construction, making it a major pilgrimage site and highlight of the cathedral's treasures.
You are best at relating to life with honesty and humor. Your bio is a great build for a meta retelling between hardcovers. This self-novella looks like a good start.
A great piece, thank you. I was twenty one in 1970 and living in a flat in Liverpool though I went home to Shropshire for Christmas. T S Eliot as you doubtless know was inspired by a sermon Lancelot Andrewes gave on Christmas morning in 1622. Bishop Andrewes presided over the writing of the King James Bible one of the most beautiful books in the English language. Happy Christmas.
https://anglicanhistory.org/lact/andrewes/v1/sermon15.html
Thank you, Maggie, for this post and the link. I did not know the origin of the poem. I read it in the Faber collection of his poems which I bought when I was a student here -- not of English btw. The first line has been stuck in my skull ever since. Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2026
A simply beautiful reflection, Michael. I empathize much of it. But if I go maundering will commence. Every joy to you in the new year.
Thank you Davis, all the best for next year, which as I mentioned to Jack above, promises to be dramatic. It feels like everything will come to a head.
Reading your wonderful piece this morning, Christmas morning, after an exhausting day yesterday with the grandchildren 2 and 4. I remember those 1970s cold days and nights with no central heating and then in 1973 we had the three day week and not even electric for a three bar fire most of the time. Your writing brings those days ( nights) to life again. You write beautifully and never disappoint. Enjoy a few days off over the holiday period with your delightful, clever daughter xxx
Thanks, Gillian. Happy Christmas and best for 2026 to you and all your family
spent senior undergrad year 69-70 in St Andrews in Fife, with trips to London, and later visits too, so recall the fugue of the 2 and 3 strand heaters & other details - have an enterprising '26, and thank you so much for guidance through the great calamity that is ours. I need all the help I can get - Merry Christmas Michael!
St. Andrews even colder than London!! 2026 feels like the year when this shit all comes to a head. Stay positive
A great starting for the season, Mike. From my CoPilot:
The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, is a massive, gilded reliquary housing the believed bones of the Biblical Magi (Three Wise Men), built between 1180-1225 by Nicholas of Verdun, considered a masterpiece of Mosan art, featuring intricate biblical scenes on its surfaces that tell the story of salvation. It's located behind the high altar, a central reason for the cathedral's construction, making it a major pilgrimage site and highlight of the cathedral's treasures.
You are best at relating to life with honesty and humor. Your bio is a great build for a meta retelling between hardcovers. This self-novella looks like a good start.
Thanks for the Christmas gift!
SmilinJack
Best to you and Evie and your family for the holiday (and a peaceful few days after before strapping back in)
You and yours also in this special season.
Yezs, what a gift to us too, your words!
Thanks, Karen. All the best to you and your family