A POEM ABOUT LIGHT

The newest space telescope is providing astounding pictures of our universe and a better way of studying the Big Band Theory. Some have said that this scientific knowledge will take away from religious understanding  of  creation.  It could not be more untrue.  We believe that at God’s command all things came into being.  One such element is light itself coming from the command of God to guide us by day and shield us from dark and cold.  This poetic expression conveys truth beyond the scientists reach.  Here is an excerpt from the poem, “The Sacrament of Light”,  by John Oxenham.  It is from his book called, “The Te Deums and the Sacraments”, written in 1928.

       In that far-off, dim dark, when chaos reigned, and earth was still a formless void in darkest dight, The Spirit, brooding o’ er the deep, awoke Creation from its sleep with that great call---“Let There be light!”  An instant from the womb of night, sprag forth the mystic seven-fold beam, ablaze with splendors bright.  God, in his wisdom all supreme, as his first act made light.-----To God eternal praise!  Praise without ceasing---praise.  That in his goodness, he blessed the world with light.  Subserve it to his high employ and see that thou use it right!

Earth Steward Action:  This week, gaze upon the stars and wonder at the vastness of our universe and that we have light to show us our world and in a deeper sense, the “ Light of the Holy Spirit”.

Source:  Poem published by the Pilgrim Press in 1928 and reprinted in 1932.