The Coming of the Light by: J Barrie Shepherd

A

pure

and

golden

light it

seems that

spread across

 the pews reflects

 its radiance from the

 mellow old carved oak

 and hanging greens upon

 the faces, hands of those

 who sing so sweetly

 Silent Night. Look deep

 into this gentle fire

 then go forth to bear

 it far and tender to

 wherever infants cold

 and frightened tremble

 in the dark with

 no bright star

 no kings

 to

 greet.

 My prayer for us all as we come to the end of 2016 is that the gentle flames of our Silent Night candles not fade with the new year; that the hope, love, joy, and peace of Christ burn so brightly in our hearts that it will illuminate the whole world.