A Play in Two Acts










Joyful Is The Dark

Joyful is the dark, holy hidden God
rolling cloud of night beyond all naming.
Majesty in darkness, energy of love
word-in-flesh the mystery proclaiming.

Joyful is the dark, Spirit of the deep
winging wildly o'er the world's creation.
Silken sheen of midnight, plumage black and bright
swooping with the beauty of a raven.

Joyful is the dark, shadowed stable floor
Angels flicker, God on earth confessing.
As with exaltation, Mary giving birth
hails the infant cry of need and blessing.

Joyful is the dark, coolness of the tomb
waiting for the wonder of the morning.
Never was that midnight touched by dread and gloom
darkness was the cradle of the dawning.

Joyful is the dark, depth of love divine
roaring, looming thundercloud of glory.
Holy, haunting beauty, living loving God
Hallelujah! Sing and tell the story!

Text: Brian Wren, 1986
Music: Philip K. Clemens, 1991