In the Quiet of the Morning

In the quiet of the morning

I walk the dogs.

Up and down the street we go.

This day, the pre-dawn clouds

Transform from gray to pink to red.

The birds sing their morning song

Welcoming the day.

On this, the third Sunday of Advent,

Gaudete Sunday,

May I know joy.

May Joy pierce the dark, hurting places.

May Joy be glimpsed though tears, through fear.

May Joy appear in unexpected places.

Joy, come into to our longing hearts.