Here they are again, Lord.  Light and shadow together.
In this case, it appears the shadows on the lawn outside my apartment
are actually making room  for the light.
It seems the shadows are even escorting the light!
And the golden cast of the afternoon sun is awesome, Lord.  I am always in awe of it.

Advent and Christmas and Hanukah and Kwanza and Winter                                                                               Solstice celebrations are all about light.
Teach us to look for your Light wherever we find it, Lord.
Sometimes we find the Light where there is supposed to be darkness
and sometimes we find darkness where there is supposed to be light.
Teach us also to  see that the shadow is always right next to the light in our lives.
Teach us to be patient with the shadow and even the darkness;
may we wait for the Light to come into our lives
and once again to our beautiful land.
May we never over look it; may we always be ready “to be wrapped in light as in a robe.”

Now fade all earthly splendor,
The shades of night descend
The dying of the daylight
Foretells creations end.
Though noon gives place to sunset,
Yet dark gives place to light:
The promise of tomorrow
With dawns new hope is bright.
Cardinal Newman

Bob Traupman
priest / writer

(originally created when I lived in St. Augustine on December 11, 2007)