As the dark of night
Makes way for Your Sun,
Open our eyes to New Day.
To the Temple of our God,
Your Light is carried forth,
In the arms of the Virgin.
Pure Mother of Nations,
May we, too, be bathed,
And come up from the waters,
Open to Light and Life.
copyright 2015 Joann Nelander
Behold the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night,
and blest is he whose loins are girt, whose lamp is burning bright;
but woe to that dull servant, whom the Master shall surprise
with lamp untrimmed, unburning, and with slumber in his eyes.Do thou, my soul, beware, beware, lest thou in sleep sink down,
lest thou be given o’er to death, and lose the golden crown;
but see that thou be sober, with a watchful eye, and thus
cry–“Holy, holy, holy God, have mercy upon us.”That day, the day of fear, shall come; my soul, slack not thy toil,
but light thy lamp, and feed it well, and make it bright with oil;
who knowest not how soon may sound the cry at eventide,
“Behold the Bridegroom comes! Arise! Go forth to meet the bride.”Beware, my soul; beware, beware, lest thou in slumber lie,
and, like the Five, remain without, and knock, and vainly cry;
but watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed, and Christ shall gird thee on
his own bright wedding-robe of light–the glory of the Son.
via divineoffice.org
Words: Greek, ca. eighth century; trans. Gerard Moultrie (1829-1885), 1864; Music: Second Mode Melody (Thomas Tallis, ca. 1505-1585)
The Bridegroom Will Be Coming by The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s in the Loop is available from Amazon.com
I love waking up
In the Heart of Jesus.
Before my eyes even open
I feel You all about me.
You are looking at Me
As Mary looked on You
In slumber serene.
I am stirring.
You are smiling Your "Good morning"
I see You are not alone
I blow my heartfelt kisses
To Your happy entourage.
Heavenly family, you, too,
Welcome me to New Day.
Yes, Sweet Jesus, I am ready.
You’ve watched over me in sleep;
Now, again, I pick up my cross.
Walk the hours of today,
As Light upon my way.
By Joann Nelander
Copyright 2012
The season of Advent is unobserved and forgotten outside the Church. Christmas has become for many merely a pleasant diversion, a fantasia on wintry themes.
Be Holy! 