Features
On this darkest night
On this darkest night
Shivering birds take flight,
Flee the bitter cold
E’er Winter takes hold.
In our Winter, we
Too from darkness flee,
Turn from ceaseless strife
Seeking hope in life.
Yet soon the Earth will turn
The days grow warm and long
And with their joyful song
The birds will then return.
So as the bleak year’s done
May we with hope now greet,
Go forth in peace to meet,
The new with voices one.
May we wisdom and love,
Goodwill and caring learn.
And from our hatred turn
To seek light from above.
But first, this darkest night,
Let us be still, let us pause,
Listen to nobler cause,
And then go forth renewed,
Forget battle and feud.
Emerging from our night
To seek the New Year’s light.
—Mary Wheeler
Christmas 2006