December 7th

“The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind,” Psalm 110:4a

we are people who change
our minds as often as we change channels,
and whose promises are as glib
as those pitches to buy this or that.
but you, God of Advent,
you are as steadfast as the stars
which glitter in the winter night
and the sun which rises faithfully.
every chance you get,
you renew those vows planted
so long ago in our now-frozen hearts—
that mercy will never be taken back.
justice will be born, even in places
where we rip it out every day.
grace will slip into human skin
and hope will walk our dusty roads
even if they lead to death.
so, ever so uncertain despite
your repeated whispers of love,
we wait,
while you never lose faith
you never falter
you never turn back,
even as we try our darndest
to keep losing our way.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman