Over the last few weeks, I have been scouring through our Worship Archives for music. I am putting together a “Best of” Christmas Concert. It should be available, immediately following Katy Allen’s delightful Virtual Caroling event on Sunday. I am also putting together the music that will be featured during our Christmas Eve worship service. This has put me in a very particular state of mind. I am both lifted up by the music we offer here at First Pres and depressed by the fact that we have not been able to make music together for so long. That is not to say that I am not proud of what we have been able to accomplish, virtually. I am very proud of that. However, there is no substitute for making music together, in person.
The last Christmas concert held at First Pres was in 2019, and it is about to be 2021. Is that not crazy? There is a poem by Daniel Ladinsky, titled “The Sun Never Says” from his collection of poems, The Gift. It was featured in a piece of music from that last Christmas concert, back in 2019. I want to share the poem with you, but I want to share it as it was written. You will see what I mean.
Even
After
All this time
The sun never says to the earth,
“You owe
Me.”
Look
What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the
Whole
Sky.
A visual reaction to the organized shape of the words, as well as, your reaction to the poem in full. A rare, but wonderful artistic expression. The poem and its message feel alive. This message of constant, selfless love, illuminating all it touches is perfect for the Christmas season. It gives me hope, not only for the Christmas season, but beyond too because I know we will be making music together again, in person. I know the sanctuary and chapel will be filled with wonderful sounds again. I know this. Much like the season of Advent, we are waiting, and yet, hopeful reminders of everlasting love and light keep us going. I hope this poem will add some love and light to your day and beyond too.
Adam
