First Sunday of Advent

(read Malachi 3:1-4)

just when

we expect you to
arrive
with anger steaming out
of your ears,
you come,

    to sit next to us,
          listening to our deepest
                          brokenness;

we figure you will show up
to toss us in
the nearest
fire,
you come,

          to sweep up
                       the ashes
            of every broken
                           hope,
       refining them
               into the chalice
                     of wonder;

we are certain you are hiding
there
in the shadows,
ready to leap out
and scare us into
repentance,
you come,

          to swaddle us
          in garlands of grace,
                  twinkling off and on
    in pure joy.

© 2012 Thom M. Shuman

'Bearers of Grace and Justice', liturgies with communion   for Lectionary Year C; 'Pirate Jesus', prayers and poems   for Lectionary Year C, are available at Amazon.