From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 19

"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 Saturday, December 19

• Micah 2:2-5a

As we approach the final days counting down to Christmas, we are bombarded with the message that bigger is better. The gift-giving bug of “Commercialized Christmas” has been biting, and it has left behind an infectious message: small and insignificant does not matter.

This could not be further from the truth.

We often sing a familiar holiday hymn during this time of year whose title describes the littleness of Bethlehem. At times we forget that the little Bethlehems we encounter are exactly what God can use to bring forth the prophetic narratives that are our spiritual walk. It is through the small and insignificant that life-shaping and -shifting miracles occur.

Bethlehem was a significant place. It is a city in the hill country of Judah, a place where Jacob’s wife, Rachel, died and was buried. Bethlehem was the birthplace of David and was also the place of his anointing as king by Samuel. In Micah 2:2-5 it was distinguished above every other city as the birthplace of the God-promised Messiah.

As we move through this season, let us be mindful that we are never too small or insignificant; all of our lives matter and we can make a huge difference. It is through our faith in Christ our Redeemer that we can spread Love, Hope, and Joy, as well the Good News of Christ Jesus to those who are feeling small and insignificant during this particular time of year.

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of your only begotten Son: that we may worthily serve you with hearts purified by His coming: Come quickly, Lord Jesus, who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Matt Edison
MDIV Student from Houston, Texas

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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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