Darkness is all around us. 

A season of winter and rest finds us waking to the stars in the morning and dining by the same at night. Hours upon darkness and cold leaves us tired and weary. Reprieve by sunlight and warmth is a long ways off and hope seems really far down in the horizon.

We shrug off the padded gloves that warm our limbs as we look for the glimpse of greenery but only find it in wilted pine trees holding up baubles in the corners of our homes, or in the dying fresh scent of ragged wreaths decorating our front doors. We have hope in the celebrations ahead and joy in the songs we hide in our hearts, but we still drag through in longings of rest and hibernation until fresh dew wakes the spring.

But the birds in the trees sing their songs despite their frosty breathe.

The robins call out worship from the snow-covered pines on the hills. The eagles sweep down as if performing for their maker. The cardinals fluff their fine feathers in advent of their king.

The birds don’t quit in their rejoicing at the first sign of darkness. They wake before the dawn to announce the coming of light.

Oh, that we could rejoice in the stillness of icy first light. Oh, that we could announce the hope of a new day no matter the coldness of our attitudes. Oh, that we could remember that garment of praise to adorn our rigid bodies in the bleakness of night.

But I will sing of your strength,
    in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
    my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 59:16 NIV

We rejoice!

Rejoice upon rising in our sleepy wakening. Rejoice in our sitting in the quiet contemplating the time ahead. Rejoice when we hear that bird singing a welcome song to the new day.

Let joy in. Joy finds us as we prepare service for those under our care. Joy finds us as we pray over meals and sights that are beheld over the day. Joy seeks us out at noon as weariness tries to tie us down.

Singing will fill our mouths with praises for provision and fulfilled promises. Songs follow us as we are full of gratitude to the one who has granted us love, safety, peace and truth. Our mouths will be in worship as we face strife, trials and persecution.

Joy tucks in our loved ones and awaits in a quiet cup of midnight tea. Joy is the safety of warm walls and rest. Joy soothes our souls as sleep overcomes our filled lives.

And in the morning, upon waking, joy will come…

Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalm 96: 1-2 NIV