Candles are burning

ADVENT

Out in the woods the leaves are falling

silent; and soft on the forest floor

the flowers are gone, the colours have faded;

and the butterflies come no more.

Out in the fields the hedgehogs are hiding

under the hedgerows they’re falling asleep.

And the robin comes searching for food in the garden

where grubs are scarce and the frost is deep.

Out in the sky wild geese are calling,

flying south from the ice and snow,

seeking the safety of lakes and marshes

on England’s wet-lands far below.

Out in the streets people are shouting;

the angry people who don’t believe.

No Advent for them; no Jesus to wait for;

no chapel to go to on Christmas Eve.

But out in the churches the candles are burning

counting the days to the Saviour’s birth.

And our hearts are burning with joy and amazement

the High King of Heaven is coming –

To Earth!

© Sandra Birch 2011