December 22nd

“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” Galatians 3:1a

there in the shadows, Advent
whispers pointed questions to us—
why do you rush past grace,
recycle wonder into worry,
forget that hope which came
and found us when we were
empty hearted and open to change?
it is like that odd moment just at
the edge of our memories, as
we watched the Star growing brighter
and we dared to believe before we ever saw.
but now
we measure, we codify,
we craft theology, memorize doctrine,
as if we can control God’s quirky
ways of doing things, of choosing people.
Advent is not a new language to learn
but a refresher course
from faith’s kindergarten—
there is a baby, who still shows up,
there is a death, which demands its due,
there is a love which stuns us,
there is grace which arrives
when we are not ready.
so, as we take slower steps
and loosen the tight grip on our hearts,
let us remember that no one
has bewitched us but ourselves,
as we foolishly cast spells
of fear, hubris, and power which
blinded us to the One who began
this work in us and is not finished.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman