"He Will Light the Way"

For some time now, I have wanted to begin writing my own Advent poetry, but have struggled to find something new to write about. How do I not step on the toes of all the poets who have come before me? Phrases and melodies are bound to be repeated as we seek to celebrate the birth of our Savior almost two thousand years ago, yet I still feel under-qualified and ill-equipped to pen a verse. But tonight, as I was walking home from small group, I was struck by the dreary fog juxtaposed with my neighbor’s brilliant Christmas lights. Here’s what happened.

 He Will Light the Way

A dim mist rolls steadily along the road

Shadows protrude

Darkness expands

This is no time for merriment or cheer.

What will light the way?

Tinseled strands nobly hung,

Reach limply as beacons ‘cross a distant sea;

A blissful din echoes from end to end.

Is this the way to spread good will?

Who will lead the way?

A woman slowly walks across the street

A man blindly stumbles through his door

Children, sleepily whimper from their beds

What of providence and mercy?

And then

A voice cries out through the night:

“The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light!” He shouts.

“Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
   on them has light shined!”

Light? Here? And Now?

“For to us a child is born,
 to us a son is given," he continues

"The government shall be upon his shoulder,
 and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
 there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
 to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
 from this time forth and forevermore.”

Someone reaches out His hands.

Strength is restored

Depression, eased

Fear, released

Come misty moans and shaded stupor

He will light the way.

 [Scripture taken from Isaiah 9:2-7]

On a side note, if you’ve never listened to Handel’s Messiah, you are missing out. Here’s a link for a great version of the oratorio: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC31B2C10D645686E