Poem: Let the Star of Morning Rise, by Ted Loder

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.