On this day we celebrate an unlikely hero.
Someone simple, innocuous, someone we never would have picked out as a hero.
But our hero was much greater than we would have known.
Our hero was chosen to rescue mankind from a dangerous plight.
Following through was difficult, painful.
But our hero humbly, quietly, did exactly what was required.
"I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way."
"Behold the bondservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."
On this day the Shadow is defeated.
On this day humankind is saved from the Enemy.
On this day the stronghold of the evil one is cast down and he can no longer rule the earth.
On this day heaven has come to earth, and nothing shall ever be the same.
"Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!"
"Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!"
"Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
"Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
for the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever,
and the dark tower is thrown down.
"Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard,
for your watch hath not been in vain,
and the Black Gate is broken,
and your King hath passed through,
and he is victorious.
"Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West,
for your King shall come again,
and he shall dwell among you
all the days of your life.
"And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.
"Sing all ye people!"
