From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 11

"Advent ushers us into a season of anticipation, hope, and joy, as we await the day of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Messiah ... We intend this Advent Devotional booklet as a gift of the season for you, to signify our deep appreciation for all that you do for Austin Seminary. And we hope that you will share it with others, so that they may also partake in the blessings of Advent alongside us. Be assured that our hearts are joyful to overflowing as we celebrate together this season that anticipates what my dear friend John Rogers described in the title of his book, “The Birth of God.” May your heart overflow, as well."

G. Archer Frierson

Chair, Austin Seminary Board of Trustees

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Advent Devotional for December 11

• Isaiah 12:2-6

The presence of the Holy One in the midst of the people of God is both welcoming and also terrifying. Isaiah 12 points out the positive aspects of the presence of God in the midst of Israel. The Isaianic writer confidently declares: “The Lord … is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (v. 2). God’s presence, according to Isaiah 12, entails security, comfort, salvation, joy, strength, and defense. It is the manifestation of God’s promise to always protect, aide, and save God’s people.

In our good moments, we, too, echo the feelings exhibited in Isaiah 12. In such moments, we welcome and rejoice in God’s presence. We, too, secure in the knowledge of God’s love for us, feel safe, happy, and comfortable. We, too, at such points “give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name” and “shout aloud and sing for joy” (vv. 4-5).

Yet God’s presence is not always so rosy. Sometimes the presence of the Lord is piercing and revealing. Disturbing even. God’s presence can at times shine a bright, uncomfortable light on our shortcomings. It can expose the ways in which we, the people of God, have failed to live up to God’s call. God, in God’s perfection, elucidates our own imperfections; our acts of faithlessness, arrogance, greed, and selfishness.

Indeed, in the only verse excised from our reading (Isaiah 12:1), it appears that the writer’s feelings of protection and security in the succeeding verses emerge from a sense of relief at God’s willingness to forgive. The writer is happy and thankful because God’s anger has abated and turned away. It is the turning away of God’s anger that transforms God’s presence from one of alarm and fear to one of joy.

The presence of the Holy One in our midst, hence, is multifunctional. On the one hand, it affirms God’s promises to forgive, love, and save God’s people. On the other hand, God’s presence entails a challenge and a reminder to the people of God to be better—to behave as a community in which the Holy One can truly be found.

May we come to know the presence of “the Holy One of Israel” in our midst this Advent season. Amen.

Dr. Suzie Park
Associate Professor of Old Testament

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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.

We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?

   • Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
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