An Advent prayer from Iona

Days of heavy clouds stifling the sunlight

The world burdened by greyness and gloom

Open our eyes, Lord To the coming of your light Lifting the burden of darkness From our lives

Chillness that seeps deep into bones Hearts and spirits rigid with frost-hardness Souls wrapped against coldness and loneliness

Open our souls, Lord, To the warmth of your coming Melting the hardness that keep us from you And from each other.

Trees – branches bare against the steel skies Stems crumpled under the frost - weight of snow Last year’s leaves blackened and slippery underfoot Nature oppressed by wintriness – Yet resting, awaiting rebirth

Cherish our hearts, Lord Oppressed by wintriness – Assure us of your coming Of your call to new life.