From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 14

"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

Austin Seminary Board of Trustees

• CLICK HERE for a complete, online copy of this season's devotionals.
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Advent Devotional for December 14

• Matthew 24:1-14

Secular culture’s appropriation of Christmas is candy canes, sparkling lights, and a bump in sales. It is utterly disconnected from the Christmas story. Secular influence is so potent I am always taken aback, and then impressed and inspired by the unvarnished realism of the biblical narrative. In reality, the Christmas story was written in the wake of the cross and in the shadow of empire.

In the previous chapter, Matthew recounts Jesus’ calling out of religious leaders for hypocrisy—not in order to attack the faith (as is so often the case today—but as a call to repentance and renewal. In this chapter, Jesus addresses life under empire. The Pax Romana appears great if, unlike Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, and their families, you have wealth, power, and citizenship. As the Deuteronomist, the prophets, and Jesus in their stead discern, empires built upon exploitation are internally unstable. As disparities in wealth increase, empires crumble from within. Hardship and violence increase. Jesus discerns the signs. He warns many will “betray” and “hate one another” (24:10), that “the love of many will grow cold” (24:12). But, Jesus urges, despite the persecution, “endure.” Endure so the good news of God’s gracious love might be manifest and “proclaimed throughout the world” and the “telos” (end/goal) will arrive (24:14). In the next chapter, Jesus makes clear some ways God’s love endures in a harsh world. He praises “sheep”: those who welcome strangers, visit prisoners, clothe the naked, give medical care to the sick, feed the hungry. He speaks from and to the margins. He speaks as a man about to be imprisoned, tortured, and killed.

The Christmas story, then, is first from and to those who are struggling, needy, and persecuted. Then it is to those wealthy but with ears to hear. Christmas giving, the giving of sheep, the eternal gift of the Son, the love of neighbor which is love of God, is an empowering act of gracious resistance to worldly powers. So today may we find ways to give, no matter the gift— perhaps just a word of affirmation—so we all might endure in love.

Dr. William Greenway
Professor of Philosophical Theology

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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?

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