From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 12

"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."

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Advent Devotional for Saturday, December 12

• Luke 1:57-66

Confusion. It happens often during Advent and the Christmas season: I’m glad you got the kids to the Christmas pageant rehearsal. Was it my turn?!? I think our kids are still at the after-school program. I will be right back. (Zooming to get the kids).

Confusion around who is picking up the in-laws from the airport or who’s coming to Christmas dinner might soon look like a scene from the family gathering in Home Alone.

Confusion happens for those who are gathered to celebrate with Elizabeth and Zechariah, too. Elizabeth was barren but now has given birth to a boy. Not just any boy, but the one who will prepare the way for the Lord. Yet, we spend our time with Luke discussing what name he shall bear. Surely the name of Zechariah, the family name, but instead we get a name from the Lord. He shall be called John. John? Not Zechariah??

Holy confusion, if you will, takes place over a name for those gathered and for us during Advent. For God is doing new things and we are unaware of God’s movement as we hurry and bustle from one thing to the next, forgetting the importance of God preparing the way for the incarnation to change our lives once again this Advent season.

May we be ever mindful of God’s movement through the Advent season. A holy pause with Elizabeth, Zechariah, and those gathered to remember what is in a name especially when it comes from the Lord.

Holy God, the One who knows us by name, make us ever mindful of your presence this Advent season through John, the one who prepares the way for the Lord. May we celebrate even in confusion at the way you enter our lives. Amen.

Lisa Juica (MDiv’11)
Admissions Associate for Ecclesial Partnerships

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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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