Dwelling in Light
The Heart Nebula — photo taken by Laurel Pepin
Dear Soul Friends,
It has been a busy few days for me. Most of my family gathered at our house to celebrate Christmas with our three grandchildren who are 5, 3, and 2. My youngest daughter and her husband stayed home as they are awaiting the arrival of their first child. My usually quiet and reflective home transformed into a beehive of activity.
We all attended church on Christmas Eve to participate in the Service of Lessons and Carols. The brass quintet, choir, and organ filled the candlelit sanctuary with glorious music and we sang favorite Christmas carols and listened to scripture. But it was a long service for the young ones and at the very end when there was a moment of silence, my three year old grandson called out, “Are we done?”
It can be hard to sit still and wait for Christmas. It can be hard to live through the darkest days of the year to wait for light to return, but that is what we do each December until the day when it all changes. The longest night ends and light begins the slow process of guiding us back to renewal and regeneration. We are invited to rest in the mystery of the great story of creation and embrace its awe and wonder.
When our youngest child was in college, each year we attended a Lesson and Carols Service that her concert choir offered. The concert was held in a massive Methodist Church and people lined up early to be sure to get seats. It was a tradition for neighbors and college students. I could feel the anticipation and excitement as we waited for the music to begin. We knew we were in for a treat.
One year toward the end of the concert, the choir sang “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen. “O Great Mystery.” The music began filling the church with enchanting sounds that drew us into Holy Mystery. As the music continued, the church became very still, and a warm, calming presence descended on us that was so palpable it felt as though the music was calling us into another realm. At the end, no one moved. It was almost impossible to clap because the entire place felt the mystery. The entire church heard the mystery. Even the choir remained completely still. The music drew us into Holy Light and Love and left us breathless with wonder.
During the coming week, may you have a moment to hear the music of life. May it open you to the glorious presence of Holy Light and Love.
In closing, I offer you one of my favorite Celtic blessings.
May the blessing of light be upon you.
Light within and light without.
Deep Peace to you,
Susan
