CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary
Advent Devotional for Thursday, December 6
Malachi 3:5-12
Today, December 6th, is the day we remember a great saint of the church. Many know this saint by his shorthand name, Santa Claus. But the name Santa Claus is related to an older name, St. Nicholas. And even though, at the mention of this name, our thoughts probably turn to images of reindeer and chimneys and a sack of gifts, there are other things to know about St. Nicholas.
Different stories about this saint tell us that indeed he was always a gift-giver. These accounts tell us that as early as the fourth century, this Bishop of Myra (southern Asia Minor) had the reputation of compassion for all the people within his jurisdiction of the church, especially for the needy. Old prayers of the church tell us that St. Nicholas was considered an exemplar of the faith because he provided care for orphans and widows, he fed the hungry and the poor, and he freed captives.
On this mid-week day in Advent we read the strong words of the prophet Malachi. The prophet pronounces God’s judgment against any who do not pay right wages to workers, who oppress the widow and orphan, or who cast aside the alien (v. 5).
Strong words indeed. We do well, in this time of preparing for the arrival of God on earth, to reflect on the fact that not only in modern times do we care for issues of justice and the well-being of all people, especially those on the edges of economy, security, and societal norms. Malachi, a prophet of God, said life in God looks like this. St. Nicholas, old saint of the church, lived exemplified such a life in God. Those witnesses stand before us today.
In your mercy, Holy God, make us your land of delight through our actions on behalf of all the needy ones, that we may serve you all the days of our lives. In the name of the One whose arrival we await. Amen.
Jennifer L. Lord
The Dorothy B. Vickery Associate Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
No comments:
Post a Comment