As one who grieves each year the shortening of days at summer's end each, I'm grateful for the winter solstice on December 21, after which the days begin to lengthen once again. The beautiful image and blessing (just below) are the artistry of Jan Richardson, making of the solstice an Advent blessing...
 |
| Art by Jan Richardson: used with permission |
Blessing for the Longest Night
All throughout these months
as the shadows
have lengthened,
this blessing has been
gathering itself,
making ready,
preparing for
this night.
as the shadows
have lengthened,
this blessing has been
gathering itself,
making ready,
preparing for
this night.
It has practiced
walking in the dark,
traveling with
its eyes closed,
feeling its way
by memory
by touch
by the pull of the moon
even as it wanes.
walking in the dark,
traveling with
its eyes closed,
feeling its way
by memory
by touch
by the pull of the moon
even as it wanes.
So believe me
when I tell you
this blessing will
reach you
even if you
have not light enough
to read it;
it will find you
even though you cannot
see it coming.
when I tell you
this blessing will
reach you
even if you
have not light enough
to read it;
it will find you
even though you cannot
see it coming.
You will know
the moment of its
arriving
by your release
of the breath
you have held
so long;
a loosening
of the clenching
in your hands,
of the clutch
around your heart;
a thinning
of the darkness
that had drawn itself
around you.
the moment of its
arriving
by your release
of the breath
you have held
so long;
a loosening
of the clenching
in your hands,
of the clutch
around your heart;
a thinning
of the darkness
that had drawn itself
around you.
This blessing
does not mean
to take the night away
but it knows
its hidden roads,
knows the resting spots
along the path,
knows what it means
to travel
in the company
of a friend.
does not mean
to take the night away
but it knows
its hidden roads,
knows the resting spots
along the path,
knows what it means
to travel
in the company
of a friend.
So when
this blessing comes,
take its hand.
Get up.
Set out on the road
you cannot see.
this blessing comes,
take its hand.
Get up.
Set out on the road
you cannot see.
This is the night
when you can trust
that any direction
you go,
you will be walking
toward the dawn.
when you can trust
that any direction
you go,
you will be walking
toward the dawn.
- Jan Richardson
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Tonight's song, one of my favorites, is a truly ancient hymn. Christians have prayed and sung these words at evening prayer since the late third century. In Greek, it is the Phos Hilaron (translated: gladdening light; gladsome light; joyful light). The lyrics are an ode to Christ, our Light in the darkness, the Light no darkness can extinguish. This translation of the Phos Hilaron is by William G. Storey whom I was privileged to know as on my professors when studying liturgy at the University of Notre Dame.
O Radiant Light
If a video doesn't appear below, click here!
Of God the Father's deathless face,
O image of the light sublime
That fills this heav'nly dwelling place.
O image of the light sublime
That fills this heav'nly dwelling place.
O Son of God, the source of life,
Praise is your due by night and day.
Our happy lips must raise the praise
Of your proclaimed and splendid name.
Praise is your due by night and day.
Our happy lips must raise the praise
Of your proclaimed and splendid name.
Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades,
As shine the lights of eventide,
We praise the Father with the Son,
The Spirit blest and with them one.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please THINK before you write
and PRAY before you think!