In This Season of Waiting

Thom Shuman’s first book was 2005’s Jesse Tree – and since then he has been a much-loved Wild Goose writer. Thom’s voice is like no one else’s. There’s a vulnerability, gentleness and childlike wonder in his writing that folk deeply connect with, and that well fits the Advent and Christmas season.

In This Season of Waiting contains scripture readings, Thom’s poetic reflections, and candle-lighting prayers for Advent, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Thom lives in Columbus, Ohio with his family, and is a ‘retired’ pastor and an associate member of the Iona Community. His previous books include How Shall We Pray This Morning? For What Shall We Pray This Night?, Grace Will Walk Us Home, Christmas Eve in the Diner, The Soft Petals of Grace, and Gobsmacked.

We light the candles of vision

in this season of waiting,

that we might see you

in the refugees who have travelled

so far to reach a new home

that we might notice you

in the folk sleeping in cars

because there is no room

for them in our prosperity

that we might recognise you

in the person who treats us

with patience and kindness this day,

God in community, Holy and One.