Turning

Turning

By Rayla Stewart Hogue

Special to the Daily Statesman

Cold, bitter, and biting, the wind rushed in from the north. The temperature plummeted. Change was definitely coming. Leaves skittered across the yard becoming airborne once more. The bare limbs of the trees waved and bowed in time with the gusts and gentler undercurrent of the wind. The horses lifted delicate nostrils into the wind--smelling the air--smelling change before moving toward the sheltering warmth of the barn. Small animals also moved into the shelter of the barn--the neighbor's cat . . . a few mice . . . birds seeking shelter in the lofty heights. The world was preparing itself for the turning about to come.

Sensing the impending storm, farmers threw grain and hay out for the animals. They hurried about their chores hoping to be settled in their warm homes out of the wind. Those out shopping found themselves rushing to finish and return to their homes. Clerks watched the clock slowly click as time seemed to drag on forever while the waited for their shift to end. The wind blew strong. It cleaned everything in its path--blowing the world clear, bare, preparing for change. Who could know what change was truly about to take place. The world was preparing for change which would alter all humanity for ever more. The rushing wind ceased.

The world held its breath as all that was known before was about to turn . . .

My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,

And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on the servant's plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,

So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,

And the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me.

And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn.

You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn.

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,

And the world is about to turn.

From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears ev'ry tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn.

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,

And the world is about to turn.

Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God's mercy must deliver us from the conqueror's crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound,

'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around.

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,

And the world is about to turn.

As the war in Iraq is officially called to an end, as the troops of Afghanistan are slowly withdrawn, as unemployment rises and more and more people are losing their homes, we open our heart to God.

Oh God, as we prepare for the turning of the world toward you, grant us the wisdom, compassion, and love to see the world as you do. May our hearts sing, our minds turn to you, and your justice reign today and always. So be it. Amen.

If you have questions or comments, email her at raykayh@gmail.com. Rayla Stewart Hogue is a native of Dexter. She is a wife, mother, and minister of the UCC (United Church of Christ). "Canticle of the Turning" -- Lyrics & Arr. by Rory Cooney (based on the Magnificat, Luke 1:39-56).

12-16-2011