Holy Darkness

Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night.

I have tried you in fires of affliction;
I have taught your soul to grieve.
In the barren soil of your loneliness,
there I will plant my seed.

I have taught you the price of compassion;
you have stood before the grave.
Though my love can seem
like a raging storm,
this is the love that saves.

Were you there
when I raised up the mountains?
Can you guide the morning star?
Does the hawk take flight
when you give command?
Why do you doubt my power?

In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold.
When the silence stills your spirit,
will my riches fill your soul.

As the watchman waits for morning,
and the bride awaits her groom,
so we wait to hear your footsteps
as we rest beneath your moon.

Dear Family and Friends,

The lyrics of this hymn by Dan Schutte capture the feelings of my heart as this Christmas approaches.  I am grateful for a loving family, many long-term friendships and some interesting new ones.  I share the tragic sadness we all feel because of the violence we have witnessed.  The Holy Spirit infuses me with hope and blesses me with an incessant desire for meaningful ways to be of help to others.   The hospital provides me with daily opportunities to help patients to review their life journeys and pass on what is most meaningful to others.  My patients share their worries, grief, fears, concerns and sorrows with me.  And they share their hopes and dreams for the people they love.  My prayer is for you to find peace of mind and a courageous faith that inspires you to love even more deeply this year.    

With Love, Donna.