Advent
by Donna Rudiger

A new day is rapidly cresting the horizon.

Its arrival induces mindful epiphanies,
boldly altering our habits of seeing, understanding, believing.

The ascension of music, expressed by voices previously stifled and
unjustly silenced, opens deaf ears.

The appearance of celestial illumination
separates veils, dispels shadows.

A delegation is forging a previously untraversed path of righteousness,
the advent of a solitary journey
where deep calls to deep across the universe.

Wanderers, once labeled immigrants, now anticipate
the arrival of restoration,
the opening of gates to liberation, and
a renewed spirit of enlightenment to
pursuit their long awaited homecoming.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"Amen.—Henri J.M. Nouwen.

Shchedryk ["The Ukranian Bell Carol"], by Mykola Leontovych. Ukrainian Chamber Choir "Cantus", dir Emil Sokach.

The melody "Shchedryk" was adapted in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych from an old Ukrainian folk song about a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the plentiful new year. The folk melody was sung in many Ukrainian villages on New Year's Eve. When American Peter Wilhousky heard Leontovich's choral work, it reminded him of bells, which he used for new English lyrics in 1936.

Now the tune has been take up by The Advent Conspiracy: