November 30, 2022

Advent Devotional November 30, 2022

Scripture

Psalm 17

1 Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. 2 From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right. 3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress. 4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. 8 Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9 from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me. 10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. 11 They track me down; now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground. 12 They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush. 13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, overthrow them! By your sword deliver my life from the wicked, 14 from mortals—by your hand, O LORD—from mortals whose portion in life is in this world. May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them; may their children have more than enough; may they leave something over to their little ones. 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Devotional

The Rev. Emily Cooper ’19
The Rev. Mikayla Kovacik Doepker ’19

During Advent we wait for the light of Jesus to enter the world. It is a time where we remember who we were before Christ came. It is a time where we hustle around, picking up perfect packages and rushing off to the post office so that we don’t have to pay extra postage. It is a time when we laugh with others and smile at strangers.

We also feel the weight of the year pulling our shoulders a bit lower as the burdens bulk to a boulder. We remember we ought to be rejoicing, but instead we are weary. It’s been a long few years. Advent reminds us of the relationships that have been wounded, severed, perhaps beyond repair.

Reading Psalm 17 might not ease any of those tensions. After all, the psalmist starts by describing how they have done everything right. They have no wickedness in them. I have wickedness in me, more than I’m ready to admit. Their mouth does not transgress. My mouth can be quite sassy. The psalmist is confident in God’s protection and care. What about us, the imperfect sassy folks? Well, even the imperfect sassy folks are offered salvation. Even in seasons of heaviness we are met by the Divine. As verse 6 reminds us, when we call on God we are answered.

Prayer

Ever present God, guide us so we behold your face in righteousness. Satisfy us each day. Remind us that you are the source of true joy this and every season. Amen.

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Center for Adaptive and Innovative Minsitry (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!