in the bleak mid-winter...

this is an unusual time for my parents. culminating in the inevitable. their children have grown up. im ancient according to my schoolkids, and zach is an old 18. for several years now we have been subtly changing the focus of our holiday celebrations. presents have taken a backseat to an appreciation of our Lord and the comfort of community traditions.

when we were younger we lit the candles on the advent wreath because dad was determined to keep us focused. we were antsty and didnt, couldnt value the significance held in such a high-church tradition. dad did good. it is instinctual to become contemplative during this season in the stine household.

the advent has depth in our hearts.

so now i sing with mary longing for her baby. i sing with all of isreal yearning for a savior. i sing with humanity looking for the one who can free them. i sing with the church anticipating Providence's return in this bleak mid-winter. the advent always brings out the mystic in me.

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.