Let it come, as it will, and don't
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.
Jane Kenyon

Each day in Advent readings are given by various contributors according to the prayer's themes of light, power, joy and laughter and finally of love. Jane Kenyon's poem Let Evening Come is read by Jane Edwards

Hay bales in barn; poem by Jane Kenyon read by Jane Edwards

Our God is merciful and tender.
He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us
and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,
to guide our steps into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78

Power is sometimes seen in waiting and allowing. We do not need to be afraid for God is merciful and tender and he will bring the dawn. God has power and we can trust him with it.

Let Evening Come

Let the light of late afternoon

shine through chinks in the barn, moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.

Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.

Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don't
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.

Jane Kenyon