"A gift from our community of faith to you. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways 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 December 18
• Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
As a newly transplanted east coast native, I am cognizant of the stark differences I found moving to Austin. The visual difference is what I noticed first. The architecture is different and the vegetation is not what I am accustomed to. The oak tree has long been a symbol of strength. Its hard wood carries it to great heights and old age. The Red and White Oaks of the southeast are considerably different looking than the Escarpment Live Oak that is so abundant in Texas. The former are deciduous as opposed to the evergreen live oak. In the fall, the red oaks and white oaks add beautiful color to the foliage. The various species of oaks present in the holy land are also known for their strong and hard wood, their ability to grow to great heights, and their age.
“They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify himself.” The message in Isaiah is one of encouragement in a time of living in a world dominated by superpowers. The joyful news is meant to reassure the suffering and oppressed that they are remembered and favored by God. There will be a time of freedom, peace, and abundance. Today, the global social crisis is one in which growing levels of poverty, hunger, and unemployment are primarily a result of northern privilege. The majority of the global population remains in severe poverty and dominated by current superpowers. Meditating on this, I hope we are more mindful of the suffering and devastation brought by war and imperialist policies that destroy homes, peoples, and ways of life.
O God, let us hear the good news you send to the poor. Heal us as you heal the brokenhearted. Liberate us as your release the prisoners. May we be the Oaks of Righteousness, well rooted and firm, and bring forth fruit to ever glorify you. Amen.
Heather Zdancewicz
Vice President for Finance and Administration
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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