RON HENGGELER

December 25, 2007
Snapshots on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve. Shhhhh. . .one can indeed hear a pin drop. (And the camera click.) It’s a quiet stage at the Opera House now that the Season's Nutcracker has run its course like a race horse crossing the finish line. Across the street from the Opera House, inside the afternoon’s soft-lit dome of City Hall, stands the tall Rainbow World Fund Tree of Hope decorated with thousands of origami cranes inscribed with wishes for the world. This beautiful Tree of Hope stands for peace, love, and humanitarianism in our community of San Francisco and for all people on earth. At dusk, Eduardo Aguilera, creator of the labyrinth at Land’s End, uses the outline of his labyrinth to create an illuminated peace symbol with candles burning inside of small paper bags. Later, with no light left for photographing, our faces stinging from the cold Pacific wind coming off the Gate waters, we walked in the quiet blackness along the narrow trails back to the Legion of Honor. Three coyotes crossed our journey’s path through Lincoln Park as the waning full moon began to rise from behind the tree line.

The Canticle of the Sun

by Francis of Assisi (San Francisco)

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.

Nob Hill

San Francisco Opera House

San Francisco City Hall

Rainbow World Fund Tree of Hope

San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco Opera House

San Francisco Opera House

Presidio Gate at Arguello

Lands End

Lands End

The labyrinth at Lands End

The labyrinth at Lands End

The labyrinth at Lands End

The labyrinth at Lands End

 

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