About Me

Pearl City, HI, United States
Husband, father, grandfather, friend...a few of the roles acquired in 69 years of living. I keep an upbeat attitude, loving humor and the singular freedom of a perfect laugh. I don't let curmudgeons ruin my day; that only gives them power over me. Having experienced death once, I no longer fear it, although I am still frightened by the process of dying. I love to write because it allows me the freedom to vent those complex feelings that bounce restlessly off the walls of my mind; and express the beauty that can only be found within the human heart.

Monday, December 01, 2014

First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Copyright © 2014
by Ralph F. Couey
Written content only

The wind blows cold across a world torn in grief and weeping in sadness. Everywhere, the demons of anger and hate stalk among us, feeding the dark side within us all, urging us into conflict. Everywhere, the hungry, the homeless, and the hopeless lie in despair. From the huddled masses, the question drifts like a fog: “Is this the end?”

But, wait!

 Look! 


Do you see what I see?

In the east, a new star, dancing in the night! See how it lights up the sky? It beckons us to follow! Could this be the miracle we have all been waiting for?

Across the world people are raising their heads. As they gaze upon the light, their eyes open wide in wonder. The darkness is no longer. Responding to the new beacon in the east, all began to move towards it.

Then on the wings of that same wind, we hear a whisper. 

 At first it is so quiet, it almost seems to be our imagination. 

 We ask each other, “Do you hear what I hear?” 

 Then it becomes clear, distinct, It grows into a song, a joyful song, a song that lifts our hearts. We join in the chorus, and the music rises triumphantly above the trees, sung by a voice as big as the sea!

Together, we dance towards the brilliant star, singing this song of joy with all our hearts! Our grief is gone! Our sadness dispelled! The Demons of Pain and Anger cannot stand before the power of our joy, and they slink away in fear. Everywhere, arms which were once raised in conflict now join, shoulder to shoulder, forming a strong, unbreakable bond of unity and love! 

As one, we sweep up the homeless and shelter them; the hungry are being fed; the lonely are surrounded in love! Together we shout, “This is not the end! This is the beginning of Hope! For we have been given good tidings of great joy! For unto us will be born in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord!

Listen to what I say! 

Let us pray for peace everywhere! 

 For that child sleeping in the night will bring us goodness and light! 

 Hallelujah!

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