Advent, Day 27: Awake

LOOK: Anima by Meryl McMaster

McMaster, Meryl_Anima — Meryl McMaster (Canadian, 1988–), *Anima*, from the In-Between Worlds series, 2012. Digital chromogenic print, 36 × 36 in. (91.4 × 91.4 cm). McMaster uses photographic self-portraiture to explore her dual Indigenous (Plains Cree) and European (British and Dutch) heritage.

LISTEN: “Awake! Awake!” by Lo Sy Lo (Samantha Connour), on St Fleming of Advent, 2019 | Words adapted from a hymn by Marty Haugen, 1983

Awake! Awake, and greet new morn
(Turn from despair and groaning, turn from despair and groaning)
Sing out your joy, for he is born
(The child of your great longing, salvation’s light is dawning)

Come as a babe (so weak and poor)
He opens wide (the heavn’ly door)
To bind all hearts (together)
God with us, now and forever!

In darkest night, the coming light
(To all the world despairing, his saving song now sharing)
Like morning light, so clear, so bright
(So warm and gentle, caring; a hopeful song worth sharing)

Then shall the mute (break forth in song)
And weak be raised (above the strong)
And every sword (and weapon)
Shall be broken into plowshares

Rejoice! Rejoice! Take heart despite
(The winter dark and cheerless, the winter dark and cheerless)
The rising sun beams down its light
(Be strong and loving, fearless; be strong and loving, fearless)

Love, be our hope (Love, be our prayer)
Love, be our song (each day to share)
Love, be our strength
Until at last he brings us into glory

Love, be our hope (Love, be our prayer)
Love, be our song (each day to share)
Love, be our hope (Love, be our prayer)
Love, be our song (each day to share)

Love, be our hope (Love, be our prayer)
Love, be our song (each day to share)
Love, be our strength
Until at last he brings us into glory