From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 15

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

Advent Devotional for December 15

• Matthew 11:2-11

When Carly Simon penned the lyrics to her 1970s pop hit, “Anticipation,” I’d be surprised to learn that she had Advent, John the Baptist, or the second coming of Christ in mind. Yet, the phrase, “anticipation is making me wait, keeping me waiting” is an indication of the emotion experienced by John in Matthew 11:1 - 6. He’s incarcerated, and he can only receive the news reports about what is going on in Jesus’ ministry. He had reluctantly baptized Jesus, convinced only when Jesus assured him that they were in the act of fulfilling prophecy. He had witnessed divine blessing as Jesus came up out of the water; and, he believed! This man—his cousin—was the “The Coming One”! While John is waiting, he must have wondered whether Jesus was truly the Savior for an Israel suffering oppressive military occupation by a foreign power. Could Jesus secure John’s freedom from captivity? John is waiting, anticipating, looking for Jesus to make a messianic move. During this season of expectations, not only is John frustrated. He’s doubtful.

We, too, are amid a season of waiting, watching, expecting. We have evidence, proof, that a celebration of Christmas awaits us. However, in the meantime, we also wait for Jesus’ return in power, might, justice, and peace—and he couldn’t come a minute too soon. We live in a world plagued and preoccupied by ‘isms (racism. ageism, ableism, totalitarianism, nationalism) and phobias (xenophobia and homophobia, among others). Like John, we find ourselves captive to 24-hour cycles of bad news. We are incarcerated by fear of random acts of violence, real and imagined threats to our safety or security, and unpredictable weather catastrophes. We find ourselves frustrated by increasing political, social, and cultural polarizations—yet, we wait for Jesus to return and fix all of this! He didn’t come last year. He didn’t come last month. He didn’t come yesterday, and all we can do is anticipate—God is making us wait.

Jesus’ response to John’s emissaries is affirmation for generations to come, ours included. “blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me” (Matt. 11: 6). Jesus is telling us that despite all that is bad, ugly, and horrible, we can look for the good. We can look for the good of people being healed, helped, and redeemed by proclamation of the good news. We can look forward to Jesus’ return and not take offense at everything that does not get “fixed” as we pray, praise, believe, and serve. Our advent, frustrating and sometimes doubt-filled, is interrupted by the joy and jubilation of Christmas. We welcome the Messiah—rekindling our hope for the peace, justice, and authority realized in the reign of Christ. Our faith, despite all we know, see, and hear while we are waiting, is a blessing.

Ms. Danita Nelson
Middler student from Austin, Texas

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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.

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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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