O Holy Night (2021)

 

The Message of the Flame

 

… by the alter, in the darkness

stands the tree

                   sparkling with silver

                   glistening, glittering

                   twinkling like a star, pointing skyward

                   without a word, whispering a message

                   of peace and hope and love

Silent Night, Holy Night

a hush blankets the room –

          a single candle stands alone

          a single flame glowing in the dark

          a single tendril reaching to the heavens

All is calm, All is bright

slowly, one approaches the flickering light

with arm outstretched, another flame ignites

with meticulous care, another is dipped to another

‘Round yon Virgin, mother and Child

Suddenly, where there was once one

                   the message begins

                   from one to another

                   the single flame becomes a multitude

                   a glow begins to rise

 

continues on

passing one to another

with the small flame is passed a message

          of peace and hope and love

 

                             For One so loved the World

                             that a single Flame was sent

                             and swept the world over

                             for tonight, the Message of the Flame continues

 

see how it spreads!

person to person

aisle to aisle

leaping paths, one to another

see how it tiptoes up the steps

to the balcony above

winking along until a halo surrounds

above the heads of those below

Holy Infant, so tender and mild

from one comes light to fill a room

each joining the other

mirrored in the tinselled tree

a light reaching forth

out to the world, up to the stars

reflecting in the faces

and the windows

and the lazily falling snowflakes outside

Sleep in heavenly peace

warm with light and peace and hope and love

Sleep in heavenly peace

 

~ Erin Wiebe (1997)
Remembering Concordia College's candle light service the Wed before the Christmas holidays.

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