| |
 |
| |
Altar in the Lady Chapel,
Epiphany Mission, Sherwood, Tennessee |
| |
|
| |
|
Let There Be Light
Down a winding road from the crest
of the mountain, a little car late on Christmas Eve swung along,
softly chanting into the night the ancient road‑song of turning
wheels. Swift approaching midnight, holiest night of every year,
through forest charm of wind swayed trees and gleaming stars,
toward a shrine that we sought in the lowland.
We found the eagerly searched valley to be hardly more than a
wedge between the lower hills of the rambling mountains, where a
hard-pressed underprivileged community daily concerned itself
with industries in lumber and lime. Shall one ever forget the
enthralling loveliness of the Christmas Eve welcome of the
mission church!
Oh glowing little church, how did you come to be so graciously
understanding of your true mission, but through the battling
efforts of your priest, no matter what the setback, to plant
among the drab realities of his peoples’ lives an awakening of
joy, still so possible through personal closeness to Christ!
Answering the calling gleam of light from window and opening
door, we entered to kneel in adoration. Always at the coming of
the Christ Child, our Christian churches are more or less
decorated. From habit holly suggests Christmas, evergreen are
very seasonal and use of them is lavish, but in this beautiful
little church, so like “an upper chamber” in meaningful feeling,
one noted that only the symbols or the personalities of our
faith were, by intention, adorned.
One realized in wondering delight how sweetly lilies stood in
the lovely light of candles beside a little Shrine of our Lady.
How there hung above the glowing main altar, her presence
reverent by holding the sacred beloved Child. One thought again,
as so often in the deep moments of life, how ritual of our faith
fulfilled that joyous command: Let there be light!
The little church on Christmas Eve appeared to hold all that it
could of those who loved our Lord. They entered so softly even
standing worshipfully in the rear throughout the beautifully
celebrated Midnight Mass. As the great service moved forward to
finality, one felt deep reverence and sense of blessed communion
awaken all hearts there.
May God keep in fulfilling safety, those who in His service
guard this worthwhile Mission.
– From a letter to Epiphany Mission Episcopal
Church, Sherwood, Tennessee, 1939. |
ecva.org