Prayer for Advent: Advent Moon

by Angier Brock

ADVENT MOON

Let the coming of the One

who arranges Orion and the Pleiades                        

begin in darkness.

Let the night be cold, with drifts of snow.

Let there be one lily blooming,

and whispered messages, and kneeling.

The fierce earth spins in expectation              

beneath the long night’s moon. 

Like the restless fox crossing frosted meadows,

the silvered owl in focused, silent flight,                                           

each of us is hungry.

In rooms of untold longing,

we sing our seasoned carols.

We watch. We wait.  

Let the coming of the One

who kindles fires of hope,

whose faithfulness runs far beyond our sight,

be like the coming of a child.

Let there be milk, forgiveness, quiet arms.

Come quickly, Love, our dearest deep

and sweetest dawning.

Come, fill us with your light.

© 2013 Angier Brock

Used by permission.

NOTE: Arranged by British composer Cecilia McDowall as an anthem for organ, SATB, and optional handbells, “Advent Moon” was premiered by the Choirs of Bruton Parish Church, under the direction of Rebecca Davy, on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Oxford University Press is publishing the anthem.