“O Holy Darkness, Loving Womb” Video
Recording artist Shannon Kincaid sings “O Holy Darkness, Loving Womb,” with pictures from various artists, to the tune of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” This song symbolizes darkness as creative bounty and beauty, and connects darkness to the Sacred Feminine, empowering us to end injustice and heal the wounds of Earth. “O Holy Darkness, Loving Womb” contributes to racial justice by changing the traditional symbolism of darkness as evil or ominous to darkness as creative bounty and beauty, affirming the sacred value of people of color through these positive images.
This video is a gift for your Advent meditations.
O Holy Darkness, loving Womb, who nurtures and creates, sustain us through the longest night with dreams of open gates. We move inside to mystery that in our center dwells, where streams of richest beauty flow from sacred, living wells. Creative Darkness, closest Friend, you whisper in the night; you calm our fears as unknown paths surprise us with new sight. We marvel at your bounty, your gifts so full and free, unfolding as you waken us to new reality. O Holy Night of deepest bliss, we celebrate your power; infuse us with your energy that brings our seeds to flower. The voice out of the darkness excites our warmest zeal to bring together dark and light, true holiness reveal. O come to us, Sophia; your image, black and fair, stirs us to end injustice and the wounds of earth repair. The treasures of your darkness and riches of your grace inspire us to fulfill our call, our sacredness embrace.
Words © Jann Aldredge-Clanton, from Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians (Eakin Press, 2006)
Vocal Artist: Shannon Kincaid, http://www.shannonkincaid.com/
Visual Artists:
Stacy Boorn: “Mystery,” “Smokey Sky,” “Mother & Child,” “Dancing after Work at ‘Speak I’m Listening,’” “Streams,” “Sunset,” “Feather Dance,” “Sunrise Crete,” “Holy Night,” “Addis Ababa Market Vendors,” “Seeds to Flower,” and “LightDarkness” © Stacy Boorn. Used with permission http://stacy.awegallery.com/; http://www.awegallery.com/index.php?page=artists&aid=1
David Clanton: “Garden for Good or Evil” © David M. Clanton. Used with permission. http://www.davidclanton.com/; http://david-clanton.artistwebsites.com/
Mirta Toledo: “Sophia” © 2003 Mirta Toledo, http://www.afrolatinart.com/#/mirta- toledo/4532396991; https://www.jannaldredgeclanton.com/books.php#book3
Shannon Kincaid: “Oprah & Child”
Elizabeth Zedaran: “Flow”
Instrumentalists:
http://www.thecrawfishband.com/
Keyboard: Ron DiIulio
Guitar: Danny Hubbard
Bass & Percussion: Jerry Hancock
Music Producer/Arranger: Ron DiIulio
Breath-taking! Thank you.
Blessings,
Florence
Jann, I really appreciate this gift that I will use during my Advent meditations. Thanks, Sally
Thank you, Jann, that is so lovely! Lourene
Stunning, Jann—thank you for sharing. It was perfectly timed for Her loving comfort right after a challenging encounter with a member of the community I formerly served.
In Sophia’s love and peace,
Laura
Jann,
This is beautiful and powerful! Thank you so much! I posted it to my fb wall.
Kendra
Thank you, Jann. This is perfect for me at this moment.
Satoe