64 - A Song for Winter

I have been waiting to write this week until I heard from my husband, waiting to hear that his dad, Stan, was out of his scheduled surgery, waiting to hear that everything had gone well. Tonight is the last night of Hanukah. As we light all eight candles, our hearts will be filled with praise for the miracles of skilled hands and modern technology, for knowing when and how to ask important questions, for faith in good choices. These eight lights shine through darkness, reminding us of God’s presence, strengthening us in difficult times.

Sixty-Four

A Song for Winter

Strong and Mighty Tree,
Sturdy and ever-growing,
You reach down with nourishing roots
To the very center of the earth.

We praise You, O God;
You stand firm in hostile winds.

Fluttering like winter birds,
We dance among the branches,
Wings half stretched to gather sunlight,
Calling out Your Name.

We praise You, O God;
You shelter us from cold loneliness.

Rattle in the wind, bare branches;
Shake your brittle castanets of winter.
We will trust in the Eternal,
Who guards us from the dark times.

We will fly through frigid air,
Singing our greeting to the Eternal;
We will shelter by the Living Tree
And linger in this holy place.

We will fly, singing praises
To honor the Eternal;
Winter gray surrounds us,
Yet will we praise Your Name.