First Thursday of Advent

Please read 1st Timothy 2:1-7; Hebrews 12-24

when those in high positions

gather, protocol must be observed:

precise measurements are taken

for how far apart each sits from the other;

rulers are used for the exact placement

of pad, pens, water glasses, pitchers;

tables are arranged just right,

so that no one has the upper hand.

so come,

to pull the tablecloths off,

spilling everything all over the place;

to push the tables off to the side,

arranging the chair is a big circle,

so close that we have to rub elbows.

when families gather for holiday meals,

protocol must be observed:

never sit Aunt Sadie near Uncle Joe

(they haven't spoken a civil word

to one another in years);

always interject with a funny story

when politics rears it's ugly head;

make sure that everyone ignores

the grief and pain that Buddy

has placed on the table next

to the cornbread stuffing,

praying silently that no one

will touch it.

so come,

moving the place cards around

til lifelong enemies have to sit

next to one another;

listening to each person's beliefs,

fears, dreams, doubts;

touching every thing we bring

to the table with your compassion,

shaping us into the healing

others need.

come,

Mediator of our lives,

come

to disrupt our protocol.

(c) 2009 Thom M. Shuman