Light

The prophet has had a revelation, one that stirs from the words of poetry. How do we endure the life that is lived in darkness? We tell stories. We hold celebrations to give us hope, whether it is Christmas or the winter solstice. Moving toward the light reminds us of birth and new life.

Some people prefer the dark. I wonder if we were surprised by dawn, would we prefer the dark as well? In this poem, the word darkness is repeated twice; it enjambs the line, ending and turning it into the image of the night ending and the dawn arising. This poetry works on our understanding at a layered and deep level. It is the notation of hope and birth, where the minutes of each day dissolve into increasing light in the northern hemisphere. It is the vision of the Messiah coming to Israel. It is the Old Testament prologue to the story of Jesus, whose birth changes the way we encounter the dark and how we may embrace the light that is made perfect in him.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us hope in the increasing hours of the day and the knowledge that we can rest in the past that will open to new life. Amen. — VH