Lord God,
in the deepest night
there rises the star of morning,
          of birth,
                    the herald of a new day you are making,
a day of great joy dawning
          in yet faint shafts
                    of light and love.
 
I hear whispers of peace in the stillness,
          fresh breezes of promise
                    stirring,
winter sparrows
          chirping of life,
a baby’s cry
          of need
                    and hope –
                              Christmas!
 
In the darkness I see the light
          and find in it comfort,
                    confidence,
                              cause for celebration,
for the darkness cannot overcome it;
and I rejoice to nourish it
          in myself,
                    in other people,
                              in the world
for the sake of him
          in whom it was born
                    and shines forever,
                              even Jesus the Christ.

– Ted Loder