Today's poem is Ode to Winter by Gillian Clarke, which I reproduced on this blog seven years ago (eek!) here, should you wish to read it.

The photo is of the window of one of my down stairs neighbours, who put the candlabra up about a week before advent began.

And the prayer, which is my own work!

God of all seasons,

Who established the gentle rhythms of nature. and blessed us with both darkness and light,

At the start of this Advent season, as we make space this day to become aware of you,

May the gentle warmth of your love surround us,

And the unquenchable flicker of hope sustain us,

That by day and by night, we may rest in you.

Amen.

It's a tiny candle, the kind that are used for Hannukah, made of beeswax and intended to burn for about twenty to thirty minutes.

Pausing to sit and watch the flicker of candle light in the window... time to be still and quiet... time to savour the simple beauty of a candle flame defying the darkness of night, and taking its place alongside street lights and the stars.

The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness can never overcome it.