CHRISTMAS EVE: Yes (photography as prayer 4)

Gaudete, Gaudete, 

Christus est natus                                   Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is born

Ex Maria Virgine, Gaudete!         of the Virgin Mary, Rejoice!

Tempus adest gratiae The hour of grace which we

Hoc quod optabamus, seek is here.

Carmina laetitiae We offer with devotion our

Devote reddamus. songs of gladness.

Deus homo factus est, God is made man, a thing of

Natura mirante,         wonder.

Mundus renovatus est, The world is renewed by

A Christo regnante. Christ's reign.

Ezecheelis porta Light has arisen. Salvation

Clausa pertransitur, is come,

Undelux est orta Bursting the gates of

Salus invenitur.         death.

Ergo nostra contio Our congregation lustily

Psallat jam in lustro,         rejoices now,

Benedicat domino, Giving blessing to God,

Salus Regi nostro. our Saviour and King.

‘Gaude Te’ 

Steeleye Span 

https://youtu.be/EDc2FD-vy8M

If, if, I practice openness; 

if, if, I welcome every opportunity to learn and heal; 

if, if, I accept Your invitation to see the presence of the Real in what and who is in front of me here and now; 

then, I might render a service to You and to others in consecration, in co-creation, in celebration.

As the psychotherapist Virginia Satir said,

“I believe the greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be seen by them, heard by them, to be understood and touched by them. The greatest gift I can give is to see, hear, understand and to touch another person.”

This Christmas I say Amen.  

I say Yes.  

I say Your Will be done.  

I say I am willing, send me.

Amen: 

I have never started a prayer with that word before.

Yet it is right.

Amen: 

This one word sentence says enough.

Amen: 

Acceptance.  Gratitude.  Joy, perhaps.

Amen: 

Pause for breath.  Look up.  Take another step.

Amen:

Desire expressed.  Longing left.  Hands open.

Amen: 

Request for answer.  End of me.  Over to you.

‘Amen’

Stephen Cherry

acceptance. Canon 400D. f6.3. 1/80. ISO 800.