Advent Evensong Service
Wednesday December 5th, 2001

In preparation for Christmas, St. Joan of Arc worshipers at the start of Advent, annually participate in a “Evensong”. Evensong is derived from a historic church tradition dating back to the early convents and monasteries that called for prayers at various time of day and night. Evensong stems from the tradition of “Evening prayer service” which includes sacred music as well as spoken prayer.

Within the sacredness of that tradition the Prayer Partners along with Anna Vagle and the St. Joan of Arc Schola gifted us Wednesday night with music, prayer, and quiet reflection. The service included the dance of May Lane Bernardo.

Into the mystery of darkness the scripture took us. We were transformed through words and song into a calm and meditative mood allowing a deep peacefulness to surround us. As the words were read we imagined the power of darkness instilling in us a trust in the promise of hope and peace in our world. Words from Psalm 63:2-9 were read because of its powerful and haunting plead for mutual love. It spoke of the value of life and the beauty of darkness. Through song and spoken words we reflected on the words:

“ The sun does not penetrate all of space. Much of space is dark. Much of the birth of the cosmos itself was done in the dark. The sun has not always existed. The seed underground is growing in the dark no less than the fetus in the mother’s womb. All mystery is about the dark. All darkness is about mystery.”

Accompanied by piano and flute, the Schola chantingly sang songs such as “Creator of the Stars of Night”, "Within Our Darkest Night” and “In the Darkness of the Night” with words that spoke some of the following: “In the darkness of the night - word made flesh. In the mystery of life - God in us!’

During the service, we were blessed with a significant poem by Peronne Marie Thibert titled Advent Candles. Through it we are awakened to the suggestive mystery of darkness and its meaningful purpose.

Advent Candles This year I would reverse the ritual I would begin with four bright flames foretelling his arrival I’d listen for the distant song of angels and touch the joyous hope of all the earth But walking toward him aware of the unfathomable wonder coming close, too brilliant for my gaze I’d blow the candles out one by one by one grow quiet as I walk, try not to fear the overwhelming darkness that envelops me, I’d grope, stumble, perhaps regret my trust, fall finally in the bottomless obscurity, the nothingness, yield to the deep mystery of the night: the Word made flesh coming in his own refulgent light, coming now incredibly to dwell with us.

Peg LaSota is interested in the biographies of parishioners... any suggestions?? She also loves studying piano, recorder, Spanish, and of course...singing in the choir!

On a personal note, through these poems and readings, awareness of the darkness in all it’s mystery, provides a soothing segue towards a more meaningful Christmas season.