First Thursday of Advent

"When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
     we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with
         laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
     'The LORD has done great things
         for them.'
The LORD has done great things for
     us, and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
    like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
     reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
     bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
     carrying their sheaves." (Psalm 127)

          the list
i could put down
            a gift card for the
                    bookstore,
       or perhaps that DIY place;
            there's that complete
          set of West Wing dvds
               which would fill
                  winter drear;
    maybe a certificate for
             a nice restaurant
             i can't afford
                   otherwise;
       and i am always losing
                          my gloves!

   but while i may not need
                               anything (really),
i can hope for
                     dancing shoes
    too grace these
       two left feet of mine
                so i can gently
          follow the Spirit's lead;

                     voice lessons
    so I will pass the auditions
                     for that great cantata
            of joy called
                        Shout!

                     classes in becoming a
                     stand-up
                                       comic
       so others can join in
                those great guffaws
          of

grace.

© 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.