As is the norm this time of year, my lovely wife Clare has been beavering away making Christmas cards. In addition to family and friends my business, church and Fusion connections keeps her very busy!
This year the theme is O Holy Night. Consequently she’s been cheerfully singing the carol as she works (on multiple occasions) amidst the cutting, gluing and glittering.
It’s not often I turn to poetry, song writing is more my thing (the last time I can remember was when I was a Cub – it’s the only time I ever got an award as a child – a cheap plastic shield which is probably still in a box in the loft somewhere).
Anyway, the well loved carol inspired me to write this poem – from the opposite point of view…
O Night of Terror
Oh night of terror for a red faced king, clinging to power, plotting the murder of innocents.
Oh night of terror for the religious “leaders”, wielding their presumed authority, haughty and proud.
Oh night of terror for the evil spirits who inflict the sons and daughters of Adam with curses and crippling illnesses.
Oh night of terror for the cunning devil forced to face his weakened yet all-wise adversary for fourty long days and nights.
Oh night of terror for the one who exchanges silver and a kiss of betrayal for his very soul.
Oh night of terror for a Roman leader who breaks the law to satisfy the blood lust of an angry mob.
Oh night of terror for the soldiers who spit and mock, clueless of the eternal darkness to which they condemn themselves so glibly.
Oh night of terror for every dark thing; for every sin and sickness; every guilt ridden heart and every shameful act.
Oh bringer of darkness and terror know this: Your rule has been overthrown by the light and the love of the incarnate God; a freedom gift for all who choose to embrace it, live it, share it. For love has had its way and your night of terror is no more.
..and just in case you’d prefer the Carol to my dark musings, here’s a great version…