From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 20

"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

• CLICK HERE for a downloadable/printable copy of this season's devotionals.
• CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for December 20

• Matthew 1:18-25

As are many gospel texts, this text is a gathering of several different stories and narratives that together create a new story, a new event. First of all, this text emerges from an ancient promise. The unnamed angel who comes to Joseph tells him that the pregnancy of Mary and the destiny of her child are happening “in order that what was said by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled.”

Apparently, this ancient prophecy needs fulfillment and thus the events narrated here emerge not from their own logic or energy but from a heavenly promise. God announced this event long ago and now is creating it. First, God has made Mary pregnant “from the Holy Spirit.” No details are given as to how this was done. That it was the Holy Spirit that effected this pregnancy was not obvious to Joseph. Thus, God has to act a second time in sending an angel who explains what has happened and frames Joseph’s response. God is creating this story.

However, God cannot do this alone. The ancient promise depends on Joseph, Mary, and Jesus behaving in certain ways. Their stories have to join the heavenly story. It is only in this joining of stories that the “gospel” emerges. While Mary and Jesus will remain passive in this story, Joseph is free to act. He chooses to fulfill the prophecy. He takes Mary as his wife and he names the child.

This story is a classic Advent story. Ancient promises are finally being fulfilled. But these promises, these grand narratives, these theological sentences and sequences, are not complete unto themselves. They are not self-fulfilling. They only really exist in individual lives. For example, Joseph joins the story and in that moment begins to make the story real. In the same way, all the promises and anticipations of Advent belong to each of us, to all of us together, to the world itself. We must join these promises, walk in them, live them in order for them to arrive. Advent needs us to respond.

Amidst the busy-ness and noise of the season, remind us once again, of your redeeming intentions for us through the birth of a child. Amen.

he Reverend Dr. Lewie Donelson
The Ruth A. Campbell Professor of New Testament Studies

---

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.
   • Historically, more than 80% of our graduates are called to congregational ministry.
   • Our students come from more than a dozen denominations.
   • Our alumni serve in ministry in forty-eight U.S. states as well as in twenty different countries across the world.

Your gift to Austin Seminary contributes to scholarships, housing, computer equipment, library materials, and other resources needed by seminarians as they fulfill their calls to Christian service and leadership.

Your support underwrites the finest theological faculty and an administration committed to upholding the highest standards possible with respect to the unique vocation of ministry.

Every gift is significant and is appreciated. They are put to work right away and make a real impact. Please send your gift today.

• CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

---

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link