"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 23
• Romans 16:25-27
Advent is nearing an end. As we finally approach Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it is easy to look forward to the “already” and to prematurely let go of the “not yet.” But the Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with a sending into the world that provides praise to the same God of the ages. The church in Rome is called to the faith that is necessary to thrive in the tension of remembering Christ has come, while awaiting the Christ who will come.
Although we find ourselves in the busiest days of the year, let us first remember that we light the love not only as we “countdown” to the celebrations, but also because we remember the love of God throughout all the ages, and we look forward to God’s return in the fullness of time.
Just like the Romans whom Paul was sending into the world with the conclusion of his letter, we live into the familiar ache of anticipation that Christians have felt since Christ’s ascension. Let’s not get too caught up in the hustle and bustle to give praise to the God who is and was and is to come.
Loving God, We give you praise for your mighty and merciful acts of the ages past. We give you praise for your acts still to come. Help us to live, intentionally, into the beautiful mystery of the time to which you have called us as your people. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Chelsea McCutchin
Student from Lakeland, Florida
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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