In the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘The Phoenix’, the author reminds us that the phoenix is reborn in a bonfire of its own nest. The Christian, he says, weaves himself such a nest out of almsgiving, clean living and prayer, a nest wich in this life protects him against spiritual assault, and in the next becomes the foundation of a veritable mansion.

The Christian (the poet goes on) who has chosen eternal things over the fading things of this world surrounds himself phoenix-like with a protective nest; and then, on the Day of Judgment, nest and bird within suddenly combust, the faithful Christian emerging from the flames reborn, both beautiful and young, to sing God’s praises for evermore.

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