Advent Reflection: Dec. 20, 2017

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church

Seasonal Devotions

Scripture: Luke 1:26–38  (Today’s Readings)

When I was a kid, the season of Advent was filled with anticipation, cookies as far as the eye could see, and questions of doubt. Will Santa know which house is ours? How will he fit down the chimney? What if reindeer don’t like carrots?! As an adult, I know (a little) more than I did then, but doubts remain: How will I buy presents for everyone on my list? How will we coordinate travel plans? How should we handle uncomfortable situations? And they are coupled with a bigger question: How will I get everything done in time? Though decades separate these different concerns, the theme is the same: we lack confidence and have doubts. Scripture reminds us, like Elizabeth and Mary, that we are His chosen servants. With faith in God and His plan, we are never alone and nothing is impossible. Even chimney descents.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for putting us on Your list and giving the ultimate gift of Your Son, Jesus. Please open our eyes to see Him in everyone we meet and our hearts to receive the love that surrounds us everywhere we go this season. In His name we pray.  Amen.

Contributed by Katharine N. K. Zeglen, Deacon

Read more Advent Reflections on the blog of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church website.

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Artwork: Detail of No Between © Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com. Inspired by Isaiah 64:1: “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down … .”