Heaven's Curtain Swung Aside

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) CLASSIC POEM: Magnificat Geraldine Plunkett Dillon A fold of Heaven’s curtain swung aside Splitting the blackness of the winter’s night, Blown by the breath of God it opens wide; I saw the holy ones in companies Led by archangels armoured for the fight; I heard the shrill eternal symphonies. I did not thrust my sorrow-twisted face Amongst the splendours of the heavenly town Nor walk misshapen with the forms of grace Girded for battle in celestial wars; And yet, my God, an angel has come down And crowned me with the glory of the stars. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Magnificat Mary Ruefle SNIPPET: O Lord, I did walk upon the earth and my footprints did keep pace with the rain and I did note, I did note where orange birds flew up from the puddles thou hast made … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]