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

up in that place where
dreams billow and curl,
in the tiny sliver of time
between sleep and waking,
you tiptoe in—
not with heavy boots
but in bunny slippers,
leaning over to calm
a heart thumping in fear.
Joseph is staring at the ceiling
thinking about walking away,
of taking the road less traveled,
when you tap him
on the shoulder
gently whispering
‘do not be afraid.’
because you have no fear
trusting your hope
to this man who sits
in the shadows of worry,
to a child borne by love,
to a name that promises
you are as close as a breath.
so, in our shadow-filled nights,
catch us off-guard—
while we are half asleep,
our doubts daring us
to turn tail and run—
teaching us to wake up
knowing you are already
with us.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman