Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Hark!

The carol is familiar, and sung often during this season.  But what the heck does it mean?

HARK!
Is it an alarm?
Is it a warning?

‘Hark’ simply means “to listen to somebody or something”.

So what do “Hark” and “Christmas” have to do with one another?

There are multiple layers to this wonderful story of Christ’s birth.  I think, perhaps, it is a suggestion to take note, notice, observe, look and see with sight and insight.   In the carol, we are asked to listen to the message of the angels. 

“Hark” is an archaic word.  I imagine we only hear it at Christmastime.  Yet the admonition is there.

It says in effect:  “Pay attention people.  Something wonderful is happening and you don't want to miss it.” 

I'm paying attention ...
  To the music of the season
    The lights of the season
      The smells of the season
        The joy of the season

I am harking.

Have you “harked” yet?


P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time