Awake in the dark on a full moon night

Awake in the dark on a full moon night.

Tranquil heart to match the even breath of sleep 

       throughout the house.

Peace pours through the window pane

       and makes a lovely pool upon the floor.

Outside all is beauty,

        frozen beauty in the moon’s blue light.

Standing wrapped against the chill,

       but warm in deepest soul,

forehead pressed against the glass to look out on the scene.

           The trees stand sentry in the night,

           Their faithful shadows long upon the snow.

           Bare branched lacy silhouettes against the starry sky.

           The snow a satin gown for all the world.

                            So cold.  So calm.  So quiet.

The hush of holy awe upon my lips,

I whisper to the night . . .

            Praise the Lord, O winter moon,

                        praise Him, all you shining stars!

            Praise Him, too, you highest heavens!

            Let them praise the name of the Lord,

                        for His name alone is exalted;

                        His majesty is above earth and heaven.

            

           O Lord, our Lord,

                        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

            

            Praise the Lord!

                                   ~Sara~

Psalm 148~

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
     praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
     praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,

     praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
     and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord!
   For he commanded and they were 

        created.
And he established them forever and 

        ever;
   he gave a decree, and it shall not pass 

        away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,

     you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
     stormy wind fulfilling his word!

Mountains and all hills,
     fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock,
     creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
     princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and maidens together,
      old men and children!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
     for his name alone is exalted;
     his majesty is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
     praise for all his saints,
     for the people of Israel who are near 

          to him.

Praise the Lord!