It rises and illuminates us.
Beautiful in itself;
it makes us more beautiful in its reflection.
We may not always be conscious of its presence,
but it is there
as surely as water and air.

where it is safe to feel joyful or sad.
It intensifies our love,
Eases our loneliness,
Sweetens our encounters,
And calls out to be shared.

ith music, then we send our thanks

to each person who has enriched our lives
In the year we are leaving,
And hope you will be with us
As we open the door
To two thousand and four.