by Fred Moleck
2004 Christmas Greeting
By the time you are reading this column, you probably are reflecting on what you have done and failed to do in the past several days and also what you must do in the next several days to complete this Christmas time.
You might have already overdosed on images of a night that is silent, where “all is calm and all is bright.”
What I offer here is a wonderful poem by Mary Louise Bringle, which she did not write specifically for Christmas. I find it is packed with images that take us another step beyond that night that is silent, where shepherds are quaking.
As Azure Shades to Cobalt Blue
As azure shades to cobalt blue
and dusk enfolds the skies,
we turn our prayerful hearts to you,
creating God, Most Wise.
By Wisdom, you brought forth the earth,
from depths to vaults of heaven.
By Sovereign Word, you grant new birth
where spacious life is given.
The moon that rules the teeming night
gleams bright with silver flame.
The stars that spangle heaven’s height
you number and you name.
As evening falls by our design,
its banners soon unfurled,
so may our light in darkness shine,
a lamp for all the world.
—Mary Louise Bringle
Joy and Wonder, Love and Longing
© 2002, GIA Publications, Inc.
Chicago, IL
(G-5884)Christmas blessings in abundance to you and all who encircle you.
You can reach Fred Moleck via email at fmoleck@earthlink.net