December 24th

"But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" Matthew 1:20

just when we decide

to let fear become 

our best friend forever,

just when we make

up our mind to say

yes to the angriest

voice to speak for us,

just as we take that

deep breath so we can

spew bitterness on another,

just before we turn

our back on you in order

to run into the arms of temptation

you grab us by the lapels

of our souls and draw us

into your loving arms, whispering,

"i told you.

don't be afraid."

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman