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 exultation 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!
Joyful is the dark. Joyful is the dark. Joyful is the dark!
