Overcome By Light

Christmas—the light that shone upon a manger—was also, the ancients knew, the light that led them on beyond it as well. If God is truly with us, has been manifested among us, companions us as we go, knows our pains and our hopes, then life is not a dark forest from which there is no exit. It is a darkness, however dark, that is always overcome by light.

Words: Joan Chittister in The Liturgical Year

Image: Photograph "Afternoon River" by The Rev. Scott Fisher

We're Following The Star, 5

Christmas now. It’s not just one star, but many stars. Too many stars to count. It is a great light pulsing, beaming from every direction. Light for the Christmas that is born in every heart …in every dawn that pushes away the darkness.

David:

Jim:

Robin:

A new year arrives during these twelve days of Christmas, bearing a spark that promises enough light for all ...however and in whichever direction we travel.

I Saw Visions

“while I was among the exiles” Ezekiel (1:1) wrote
“the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.”

we must rebuild
our small habits and
inclinations to include
each morning’s nativity
each evening’s stars
and heavenly choirs
seen even in exile
from the portal
of a heart opened
so wide so deep
so far

Image: As I Saw the Living Creatures by Dan RiiS Grife

An Illuminated Joy

Video: Jan Richardson (art and animation) and Garrison Doles (singer songwriter)