True Light

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14

This afternoon, folks across our continent will be straining to see the eclipse. Hotels rooms in the total eclipse zone have quadrupled in price, if folks can find one. People are mad to see the event, and signs along the highway predict crowding congestion and traffic jams. People ache to see signs and wonders. And on this day - the feast of the annunciation, we are reminded, there are more signs and wonders than we can imagine. And those signs and wonders often come in small moments to unprepared people. Phenomenon like the eclipse today remind us of the wonders of the Creator's universe, the beauty and amazement of moments which can seem large or small. 

Creator of the stars and sky, today we look up

to see the moon and sun dance above our land

and marvel and the works of your created world

feeling both small and beloved at one time.

The world does not recognize your still small voice

we give ourselves credit for the beauty you provide

we forget the tender moments when you whisper

love is the gift, the way and the sign for all creatures.

Let us take this day to be grateful and curious

help us to see the rare gems in people around us

make us aware of these extraordinary blessings

that are gifts of your love in great and small moments.