Come, Lord Jesus, come soon.
In this time of your coming,
support and console us who trust in your love.
You live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God,
you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care:
Come and show your people the way to salvation. (17 December)
O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel,
who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush,
who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain:
Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free. (18 December)
O Flower of Jesse’s stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid. (19 December)
O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom. (20th December)
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death. (21st December)
O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart;
O Keystone of the mighty arch of man:
Come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust. (22nd December)
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver,
desire of the nations, Savior of all people:
Come and set us free, Lord our God. (23rd December)
Our lady of Willseden |
Black Madonna
Scarred hands and twisted arms
Carved in ebony
Boy child
Created with the same ferocity
That replicated her beauty
Strong arms
Lift him to the passing throng
In a gesture taut with longing
Strong hands
Gnarled but strangely delicate
Fingers cracked by hard work
Holy infant
Made from the same hard block
Cut to create his mother
His hands are different
Soft - reflecting the light
From the ring of votive candles
They are carved in white wood
The grain is faulty
Knots on the polished surface
Contorted like old wounds
The frail Franciscan Friar
Leans his head to the floor
As he kneels before the Icon
Almost indifferent
I pause to light a candle
Before continuing my journey