I was surprised to see this fox in the back yard, when I went to close the curtain on my sliding door. He stayed around long enough for me to get my camera. But, when I slid the door open for a better shot he turned and headed back into the woods.
In the Christian faith we celebrate Good Friday, remembering the suffering and death of Christ on the Cross at Calvary. But it is not the dark night of the soul that draws us to God’s Love and Grace. It is the joy of Easter and the Light of the Resurrection that gives us hope. The Light at the end of the dark tunnel is Jesus!
Today is Advent Sunday in the Christian faith. It represents the time leading up to the birth of Christ, Emanuel, God with us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of coming out of darkness and into the light. It speaks so much to the feelings of our life this past year.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2 NIV (biblegateway.com)
My Nephew’s wife shared the following post this morning on her Face Book page. I thought is was so well written that I wanted to share it with you.
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Advent feels different this year… it’s not just about me preparing my heart for the coming Christ-child.
Most of us have spent a significant amount of time this year sitting in the darkness of our own personal waiting rooms…waiting for healing, waiting for a job, waiting for pregnancy, waiting for reconciliation, waiting for a visit from family, waiting for lab results, waiting for “normal”, etc.
So instead of trying to ignore the darkness, I will wait a little longer, hoping that “the God who showed up in the hardest parts of our humanity is still showing up today…
…We often forget that the encounter with the incarnate Christ happens in unexpected places — our unexpected change of plans, our unaccomplished dreams, and humble new beginnings.” (Scott Erickson)
I’m looking forward to the day “the weary world rejoices” again.
I was lost…totally lost in the pitch-black darkness. I climbed this ridge several times in the daylight, following the winding trail all the way to the top where we had set up camp. Now I was stumbling; tripping over rocks and branches as I wander off the trail. Why did I forget to bring my flashlight?
Talk of a mountain lion in the daylight brought no fear, but now, in the pitch dark, the reality presented itself with every distant rustle of the leaves and breaking of a branch. I pressed on climbing upward, feeling my way through the saplings, mountain laurel, and dead tree limbs. “The top can’t be too much farther.”
Suddenly. there is that unmistakable wine of a big cat; off in the distance, yet too close for comfort. Chills run up my spine, when far away an interrupted cry… silence!
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Bjorn at d’Verse introduced us to our new form to work with…Flash Fiction. He asked that it not be more than 144 words. It could be exactly 144 words as well. Mine is 144 words. We must use the given line from a poem somewhere in the story. Today it was “when far away an interrupted cry…”
Capturing Light
Ever try capturing light in a box
Close the lid tightly to contain it
Light in a box is a paradox
There’s no source there to maintain it
As you snap the lid shut
Think you have it at last
The rays disappear in an instant
For rays alone do not make light
With rays there’s no way save them
For light you see of every kind
From Rabbi, priest, or committee
Does not come from their simple minds
It comes from a source that’s emitting
Reflecting is all we can ever do
Our creator’s the source of our light
When it comes right down to me and to you
The best we can do is to shine bright
Light is not something to capture and hold
Thinking surely we can improve it
How disappointed we will be
Finding blackness boxed up all through it
Living in darkness
Trees reach for the light
Following the sun
As it reclines on the edge of the world
Knowing that without light
There is no life
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My soul rises toward the light
In a world filled with darkness
Evil pressing in to overwhelm
Terrors for all who dwell below
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Let your spirit rise with mine
Reach for the Son
The source of Light and Life
Always shining never hiding
Spirit touching spirit
Reflecting the Light of Love
Winter solstice brings
A dark day //with future hope
Dispelling darkness
See the candle burning bright
Light returns after the night
Men of old waited
In deep darkness for the Light
Their hopes never dimmed
A baby born in darkness
Brought us the Love of God’s Light
Though darkness remains
God’s Grace changes the hearts of men
Light shines all around
Through the lives of believers
In the soul’s dark night // Love Wins!
Roth Poetry 