December 16th

“Be silent, all people, before the LORD; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” Zechariah 2:13

how can we hear
the sobs of children
as they wonder where
they will sleep each night
if we have cruelty’s volume
turned up so high?
how can we listen
to the loneliness of folks
sitting behind the windows
illuminated not by holiday lights
but that single candle in memory,
when our devices keep dinging
reminders of the latest outrageous
comments of the arrogant?
how can we discern where
we might be able to find
the neighborhood needing justice
the friend who longs for a hug
the refugee who is trying
to figure out our traditions
if we are having the same
tired political argument
with a co-worker?
gift us with silence
in this season, coming God,
so that we may hear your
gentle footfalls as you leave
holiness to become human.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman