An "Adults Only" and Missing Christmas Carol

December 2011

The carols that are piped over the cities of our nation and globe this Season will omit one of the loveliest songs and texts of all.  This excruciatingly beautiful (“grown-up”) carol breaks my heart every time I sing it.  Yet, it cheers and warms my heart.  And, without fail, it fills my heart with hope:

Each Winter As the Year Grows Older

Each winter as the year grows older,

We each grow older too.

The chill sets in a little colder,

The verities we knew

Seem shaken and untrue.

When race and class cry out for treason,

When sirens call for war,

They over-shout the voice of reason,

And scream till we ignore

All we held dear before.

Yet I believe beyond believing,

That life can spring from death;

That growth can flower from our grieving;

That we can catch our breath

And turn transfixed by faith.

So even as the sun is turning,

To journey to the north,

The living flame, in secret burning,

Can kindle on the earth,

And bring God’s love to birth.

O Child of ecstasy and sorrows,

O Prince of peace and pain,

Brighten today’s world by tomorrow’s,

Renew our lives again;

Lord Jesus, come and reign

                        Hymn text by Rev. William Gay, 1969

Come! Let’s pray and sing it more and more….. “Yet I believe beyond believing, That life can spring from death; That growth can flower from our grieving; That we can catch our breath,… The living flame, in secret burning, Can kindle on the earth, And bring God’s love to birth.”