and light shines

     Candle lighting

On a night like this 2000 years ago a child was born in hope to change the world.

And light shines.

Tonight – somewhere – a child is being born in hope to change the world.

And light shines. 

Tonight – somewhere – someone who is ready to do harm pauses and remembers a child from long ago… and chooses hope and peace instead of violence.

And light shines.

Tonight – somewhere – someone who is lonely and afraid is comforted by a stranger… and knows a moment of hope and love.

And light shines.

Tonight – somewhere – someone who is hungry or naked receives the gift of food or clothing… and knows hope, feeling full and warm.

And light shines.

Tonight – somewhere – someone who has been a prisoner is released… and knows hope and freedom.

And light shines.

Tonight – here and there – people choose to act with peace, with love, with generosity, with mercy… and Christ is born again in hope.

And light shines.

(unsure of origin)