Farolitos
The cool evening air was perfect for the season. Christmas was drawing near--the season of hope and joy. Snow was on the ground and covered the blemishes, making everything perfect.
The family bundled into their coats, loaded into their car and drove the old section of town. Parking near the square, they walked the last few blocks along covered sidewalks passing in front of adobe buildings. It was nearing dusk and they wanted to watch as the farolitos were lit illuminating the paths in soft warm light.
Many of the building were outlined in electric versions--brown bags with a light inside each one. It softened the edges and gave a warm glow to the scene. Soon they reached the plaza, just as workers began to light the real farolitos.
Dozens of people place sand-filled bags along the edge of the walkways. Others followed behind, lighting small candles and nestling them safely within the sand of the bags. As they moved through the square soft, warm lights were left behind--lighting the way. It was Christmas Eve--they were lighting the way for the Christ child to find his way to shelter and warmth.
Snow softly fell as more and more people gathered to watch the lighting. Soft voices could be heard from within the mud-packed adobe walls of the church on one side of the square. As people exited the church their voices grew:
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
Walking along the lit path their voices continued:
Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
Peace settled upon all those present. For a few moments the thoughts of gifts, presents, parties, obligations, travel, worries, and everything else disappeared. Their hearts were joined in the magical moment of hearts drawn together with the desire for their savior to draw near. Not only did the luminarias light the path, but their hearts lit the way for God to dwell within.
Voices joined around the plaza singing:
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin , mother and child
Holy infant so, tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, Holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Loving God, your love always illumines our hearts as we follow your way. Fill our hearts with the inclusive love that you offer us. Help us to listen as your voice continues to speak to us today . . . and always. So be it. Amen.
(O come, O come, Emmanuel is the mid-19th century translation by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin of the Ecclesiastical Latin text "Veni, veni, Emmanuel," Silent Night words by Joseph Mohr)
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