Author: Elizabeth Cosnett, b. 1936 Hymnal: Common Praise #80 (2000) Meter: 11.11.9.9 First Line: When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day Lyrics: 1 When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day
the dark is behind us, and spring's on the way.
Refrain:
A glory dawns in every dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.
2 The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone,
the child and his parents are left on their own. [Refrain]
3 They go to the temple, obeying the law,
and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor. [Refrain]
4 But Anna and Simeon recognise there
the Christ-child who came at the turn of the year. [Refrain]
5 The old who have suffered and waited so long
see hope for the world as they welcome the young. [Refrain]
6 They gaze at God's wonderful answer to prayer,
the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles' desire. [Refrain]
7 The light is increasing and spring's in the air.
Look back with thanksgiving! Look forward with awe! [Refrain]
*8 They see before Mary a heart-piercing grief,
but trust is complete at the end of their life. [Refrain]
*9 For Mary will follow, with tears in her eyes,
her Saviour and Son to the foot of the cross. [Refrain]
*10 Great Spirit of Yahweh, with like courage inspire
your everyday saints who face up to despair. [Refrain]
*11 They pass through temptation, through failure, through death.
When darkness descends they plod onward in faith. [Refrain]
*12 Like Anna, like Simeon, may they have trust,
the eyes to see Jesus, and peace at the last. [Refrain]
13 The candles invite us to praise and to pray
when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day. [Refrain] Topics: Christingle; Candlemas Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40 Languages: English Tune Title: LOURDES
A glory dawns in every dark place
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