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| Photo by MS |
(This is the last in a series of Epiphany posts.)
This prayer connects a photo of a simple street scene in Brookline, MA with the star in today's gospel, guiding the magi to the Christ Child...
A friend took this photo 17 years ago: a night shot wherein the darkness reveals more than daylight might have shown. A street light glowing like a star, a humble dwelling's greater light spilling out its doorway into the darkness: Epiphany! (Click on the image for a larger version)
Although I'm out of touch with my photographer friend, I hope that she might see this post and know that her work is still inspiring believers following that Star of wonder, star so bright...
O Magi - were you confused?
Did you wonder if you'd taken a left for a right
or misread the bright star's GPS?
Was it all a big mistake? Could this really be
the town? the street? the place? the door?
But a light spills into night and beckons, calling:
"This way! Come this way!
Let go your thoughts of what should be,
what might have been, and
open up to what is here, what's now,
to where he is and where he dwells:
he whose light and presence warm
this chilled and darkened night!"
Teach us wisdom, Lord:
open our eyes to your star above
and our hearts to your glowing presence
living within us, all around us
and just across the street,
lighting the paths we walk each day,
lifting us up, out of our darkness,
to find your radiant, holy face...
Protect us, Lord, in the dark of night,
shine bright upon us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
This musical selection is perfect for tonight's prayer and offers us an ingenious arrangement, coupling a relatively new song (1991) with an old (1857) and well known Christmas carol...
Come, Follow That Star by
There's a star in the east and we must follow
if we want to find the love of the tiny Child
Follow that star,
come, follow that star
Sent from heaven above,
he will change the world with his love
We must find him
we must follow that star
Kings and travelers come from afar
filled with hope and wonder they are
seeking ever, doubting never
led by that shining light
Star of wonder, star so bright
guide us through the dark of night
now we seek him, soon to greet him
tiny Child of truth and light
There's a star in the east and we must follow
if we want to find the love of the tiny Child
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