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In the Darkness

By Sr. Claire Joy

 

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Baby Jesus

By Sr. Claire Joy
Digitally enhanced photograph

 
     
  In the darkness of our times
the message was delivered… encoded, encrypted, undecipherable.

In the darkness of our hearts
the promise was fulfilled… imperceptible, disregarded, ignored.

In the darkness of our souls
The answer… failed to meet our expectations.

We failed to see your glory in a single twinkling star.
We failed to hear your voice in a newborn’s hungry cry.
We failed to see your love in innocence, humility… this birth against all odds.

This child’s destiny
Unimaginable, impossible… yet true.

Your light shines still.
And we, like deer, are blinded, frozen in our illusions.
So convinced that our goals are valid, we stand in the Presence
yearning for the truth and cannot comprehend that it is here already,
among us, within us, filling and surrounding us.

No glittering glory… only tender compassion
No mighty judgment… only merciful forgiveness
No shout of triumph… only silent, willing sacrifice.

This child’s destiny
Incomprehensible, impossible… yet true.


(Christmas 2003)
 
     
 
 
     
 

Sister Claire Joy is in her fourth year of candidacy with the Community of the Holy Spirit. Before her call to the religious life, her interest in art spanned over 30 years. Various jobs and skills included photography, TV & AV production, 3-D animation, graphic design, and sacred art. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Painting and Graphic Design at the University of North Florida, and holds an Associate’s degree in Business Management. She currently designs the community newsletter AweWakenings and writes a blog detailing her journey of discernment to the religious life.

The Community of the Holy Spirit is an Episcopal order of religious women. Recognizing humans as a part of the mystical Whole of creation, they offer their ministries in ways that celebrate the Earth and all its myriad forms of life as the primary revelation of the Divine. "Compassionate, respectful love is God’s gift to life. Prayer and the worship of God are the lifeblood and heart of our Community and the source of inspiration for all that we undertake. Through our prayer, worship, and creative talents we encourage others to seek God. Through our ministries of hospitality, retreat work, spiritual direction, and education for sustainable living, we seek to grow in love and communion with all whose lives touch us and are touched by us."  www.chssisters.org

Email: clairejoy@chssisters.org
Blog: http://clairejoy.blogspot.com

 
     
 
 

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©2006 The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts