Advent four and Christmas

The above photo is titled “Mary” and is by Ben Bell
It is a fitting antithesis to the ‘pregnant white woman’ that Robyn spoke of in her reflection.  After which we had a lively  discussion on the way our images of Christmas can limit our faith and imagination.

We enjoyed singing (the following) new words, written by Robyn Schaefer to the tune of “We three Kings…” – music and words to the original version by John H. Hopkins, Jr.

Earth’s wise women know of the star
Hopes and visions, dreams from afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Wisdom knows who they are

REFRAIN: O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with radiant beauty bright,
                     Joy’s clear shining, silver lining
                     Guide us to Sophia’s light.

Chanting angels shone from on high
Heaven’s music rang from the sky
Dreams from far and mystic star, while
The rest of the world passed by
REFRAIN

The Christmas Eve service was really an ‘alter-nativity’. The theme for this was Wisdom being born and living among us.  The liturgy with songs and readings can be downloaded here: Christmas-Eve-participants guide