December 15th

“I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
     I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
     from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:10

i could keep hope
shoved in my back pocket
or fold up mercy so tight
that it can’t be opened,
but instead,
i will whisper them
into the long, weary dusk of Advent,
where the world waits
with worn-out souls
and hands empty of grace.
for faithfulness is not
an ornament to come out
only for a short time each year—
it walks with the forgotten,
shares warmth with the cold,
whispers words of welcome
to the grieving and lonely,
teaches the alphabet of love
to all beginners.
your coming to us
was not delayed by shadows
nor deterred by doubt.
and so, once again, we wait,
not just in silence
but singing of hope,
not just in stillness
but working for justice
with everyone, for everyone,
everywhere.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman