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