From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 8

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
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Advent Devotional for Monday, December 8

Acts 2:37-42

At first glance, this passage seems a bit out of place. Pentecost? What’s the story of Pentecost doing in an Advent devotional?

In our joyous anticipation of Jesus’ birth, we often overlook the meaning of Jesus’ life. The Christmas season far outshines Easter in our consumer economy. We love the precious infant but remain curious, even uncertain, about the teacher. This story reminds us that Jesus’ birth heralds the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus comes to redeem the world through his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can continue his ministry. These promises of God, Peter says, are “for you, for your children,” and for “everyone whom the Lord our God calls.”

This story also tells us how we are to respond to God’s promises. Like the first Christians in Acts, we are called to teach others and be in fellowship together. We are called to break bread and pray with those who are both near and far away—indeed, “everyone” God calls.

As we continue our Advent journey, may we live more fully into the promises God fulfills in Jesus, and may we share that joyous message with others through what we say and do.

God of Promise, draw us ever closer to you as we journey together toward the birth of your Son. Bring us joy in the fulfillment of your promises in Jesus, and empower us by the Holy Spirit to share our hope with others. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Mark B. Horner
Senior MDiv Student

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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.

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