Light and Love

Winter Solstice

At
this winter's
turning
of the year
let us go gently
-- for once –
into the night,
its dream-drenched,
glittering stillness
a haven for our souls.

There
is something
beyond the dull
brightness of mid-day,
fluorescent and buzzing.
Something to praise
beyond the sun,
triumphing over the intricacies
of shadowed moonlight.

Bring
in the old,
beautiful realm
of Holy Night,
echoing with ancient voices,
rustling with intimacy's passion,
luminous with stars.

Cradled in darkness,
be restored to the embrace of mystery.

Glory wakes here.

Let it kindle
your joy.

-- Rebecca Ann Parker

(Dr. Parker is an ordained United Methodist minister in dual fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. She serves as president and professor of theology at Starr King School for Ministry, and is also a musician and a poet.)