Reviews from

Love reigns in darkness

Hopefully touches on the true meaning of Christmas

11 total reviews 
Comment from patcelaw
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is very beautifully written, and I can understand why it was the winner of the contest. I appreciate this kind of message as a Christian, and knowing how Christ answered my prayers in the darkest of my times. Patricia.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your kind words, Patricia. It's heartwarming to hear how the message resonated with you and your faith. It's amazing how powerful and comforting such messages can be during challenging times.
    A few words of kindness means so much in this dark world that man seems intent to destroy.
    Bless you.
Comment from Unschooled-twist
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well done sir;)

And thankyou very much for pointing out my own, rather embarrassing oversight.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2024
    Take care and keep writing.
Comment from HarryT
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I note that this piece won the contest, but, for me, I have a problem with the last line because it seem contradictory. To explain: If Christ lights with hope, then he must reign in light not darkness. Only my opinion, congrats on your win.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024

    Hi Harry
    Many thanks for your review.

    I fully understand your concern about the potential contradiction in the last line. However, there are a few ways to interpret this that might resolve the apparent contradiction:

    1 The poem quite deliberately contrasts light and darkness to highlight the power of love (Christ's love) even in dark times or places.

    2. The line also suggests that love (Christ's love) reigns over or conquers darkness, transforming it.

    3.In Christian theology, there's often a paradoxical element to Christ's mission - bringing light to darkness, hope to despair. This line merely flirts with this idea.

    4. To some it may imply that while Christ brings light, the process of fully illuminating the world is ongoing, with love reigning even where darkness still exists. The world is full of darkness and where light should begin to shine for those undergoing atrocities.

    5. Metaphorical darkness: "Darkness" here might not be literal, but represent sin, ignorance, or suffering in the world.

    While I see your point about the potential contradiction, poetic language often uses such contrasts or apparent contradictions to create deeper meaning or evoke emotional responses. The juxtaposition of light and dark, hope and reign, creates a powerful image that captures the essence of the Christian nativity story.

    That said, poetry interpretation is often subjective, and your reading of it is equally valid. Thank you for sharing this interesting piece and your thoughts on it.
    I really thank you for your thoughts
    Kind regards
reply by HarryT on 16-Dec-2024
    Thank you for taking the time to explain your poem. I now fully understand your meaning.
Comment from jaded831
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A great poem that reflects the true meaning of Christmas. Even with all the craziness in our world today a little love goes along way. I believe Jesus is love and hope, and even these days, the symbol of His birth can bring change.

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your kind words. It's heartening to hear that the poem resonated with you. The message of love, hope, and renewal that Jesus' birth symbolizes is indeed powerful, especially during times of uncertainty. A little love and compassion can truly make a significant difference in our world, and the spirit of Christmas reminds us of that enduring truth.
    Your belief in the transformative power of Jesus' love and hope is a beautiful testament to the season's true meaning. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Christmas. 🌟🎄
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Mystery poet, I voted for you and came back to review. Beautifully written and illustrated for the contest. Best of the bunch in my humble opinion with the birth of Jesus central to your poem.
Sending you my best for Christmas, and my good wishes for the contest.
Sally Law :))

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your lovely review.
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-Very nice artwork.
-Your notes are appreciated.
-You wrote a good poem,
beginning with the first line with
the guidance of the star.
-A very good second line with
"Christ's birth" representing hope.
-A very good concluding line.
-Good luck in the contest.
**Your poem is listed as fiction.
Go to Community, Ask Us, and
give your name and title of the
poem and tell Tom you would
like your poem listed as poetry.
-He is the only one who can change it.
-You can do it yourself if you haven't
released your work. Always check the
genre before you post.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your wise words.
    Take care.
reply by Pam (respa) on 15-Dec-2024
    You are very welcome.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Take care and stay safe.
reply by Pam (respa) on 15-Dec-2024
    Thanks. You do the same.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your spiritual poem totally captures the true meaning of the Christmas season. The birth of Christ as the blessed Son of God is the reason for a celebration. God sent His Son to redeem us and set us free to learn and grow in Him. Your poem is beautiful. Best wishes in the contest..

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your lovely review.
    Take care.
Comment from Avery Daniel
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Given your restraints, I think this is a brilliant poem. I really don't think anyone could craft a better story given the guidelines. Very solid piece! I think you should put this one in your portfolio!

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your generous and enthusiastic feedback! It's always encouraging to hear such positive words.
Comment from Rick Gardner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very moving, lovely poem to celebrate the birth of our Lord, May he live forever, Not only in our prayers but what we see in each other. Live with joy in your heart, give your joy to all others.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    You've beautifully captured the essence of the poem and its heartfelt message. Celebrating the birth of our Lord and embodying His love in our actions and interactions with others is truly inspiring. Living with joy in our hearts and spreading that joy is a wonderful way to honor His presence in our lives. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts
reply by Rick Gardner on 14-Dec-2024
    I believe and give myself as was meant to be.
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a wonderful 5-7-5 poem. Christ does light the way. He is the reason for the season. All things are possible through him. The flow of this poem is great.

Well done and good luck in your contest.

Cecilia


 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thank you for your kind words, Cecilia! Your appreciation for the poem truly highlights its heartfelt message about the light and love Christ brings, especially during the Christmas season. It's a wonderful reminder of the true reason for our celebrations.
reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 14-Dec-2024
    You're welcome

    Cecilia