An Advent reflection from my friend Joyce Smith.

God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you ….  I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.  (Genesis 9: 12-15)

As the last tears of rain fell to the waiting earth,
the sun emerged from behind the darkened cloud
and a rainbow arced across the sky.

A rainbow
bright with promise
fragile with love.

Each colour of the bow
formed through brokenness
each colour
shining with hope.

The red, energetic and passionate;
on the outside, yet enveloping the whole.

The orange, glowing and warm;
encouraging, yet challenging.

The yellow, bright and sharp;
fun-loving, yet self-giving.

The green, vibrant and fruitful;
dancing, yet nurturing.

The blue, clear and concise;
seeing, yet knowing.

The indigo, royal and strong;
commanding, yet feeling.

The violet, mysterious and delicate
on the inside, yet in touch with the edges.

Each colour, unique and special;
each formed from the one broken and true light.

Each colour, unable to exist without the others;
each a vital part of the bow.

Each a part of the promise;
each a part of the brokenness.

Lord, as you remember your promise to us,
help us to join together to be the colours of your rainbow;
and reflect your one true light.

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