From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 7

"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.
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Advent Devotional for December 7

• Isaiah 35:3-7

I have an old high school friend who is particularly vulnerable to conspiracy theories. She sends weekly updates on some imminent threat to the world—including an all but certain alien invasion, Muslim conquest of the West, the malevolent Deep State, a stock market crash, or the Illuminati ushering in a New World Order. Sometimes I am able to talk her down and sometimes not. These are exhausting conversations for me, but clearly it is more exhausting for her to have these fears taking so much space in her mind. In truth, our society is filled with fearful folks—some are afraid of violence and poverty; others of change or difference; many, that their lives have no purpose or that they will die alone and unloved.

Psychophysiologists tell us that when we face acute stress our bodies react by stimulating the adrenal glands, triggering hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, which results in a rapid increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. We grow pale, our pupils dilate, and we tremble in readiness. This response, they say, has evolved as a response to imminent physical danger. This response provides more energy and oxygen that might be needed to fuel a rapid response to danger. In evolutionary terms, it helps us to adapt to our environment, but it may also narrow our focus such that we can only see danger. Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from seeing the grace and goodness that lies around us and from living hopeful and loving lives.

In Isaiah 35:4, the prophet names his audience as “those who are of a fearful heart.” A more literal rendering of the Hebrew phrase nimharê lêb is “ones whose hearts are racing.” Isaiah proclaims that it is they who need to hear a word of strength and courage. The prophets urged the Hebrew people to look forward in hope for God’s coming salvation. For Christians, our fears are met by the inbreaking kingdom of Christ. God’s people past and present are called not to avoid our fears but to live in expectation and celebration of a greater truth—that God has redeemed the world. In this hope lies our strength.

O Lord, fill our hearts with renewed hope and expectation. Amen.

The Reverend Dr. David F. White
The C. Ellis and Nancy Gribble Nelson Professor of Christian Education & Professor of Methodist Studies

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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.
   • 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

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