December 1, 2022

Advent Devotional December 1, 2022

Scripture

Psalm 147:12-20

12  Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
          Praise your God, O Zion!
13  For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
          he blesses your children within you.
14  He grants peace within your borders;
          he fills you with the finest of wheat.
15  He sends out his command to the earth;
          his word runs swiftly.
16  He gives snow like wool;
          he scatters frost like ashes.
17  He hurls down hail like crumbs —
          who can stand before his cold?
18  He sends out his word, and melts them;
          he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
19  He declares his word to Jacob,
          his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20  He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
          they do not know his ordinances.
     Praise the Lord!

Devotional

The Rev. James Golla ’16, DMin student

How does one rejoice as the cold of winter is upon us? As the weather gets colder and the nights longer, one can find themselves with a case of the winter blues. The effect of the snow and the frost can become overwhelming. The psalmist reminds us that the sovereign God is the one who has control over the elements; like snow, frost, and hail. In response to the chilling angst that has overcome us, God sends God’s word as the wind blows. Wind, in Hebrew, carries the connotation of not only the power, but the presence of God. The wind carries God’s word throughout the world.

As we approach Christmas, we have the image of God’s Word (John 1) wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger (Luke 2). The wind, or rather the presence of God, is made known through God’s Word—Jesus Christ the Son. The presence of God is made known in the midst of our cold and blue winter days. A presence that is melting away at the anxiety and fear that we carry. A presence that is melting away at the injustices and oppression in our world. A presence that can help us rejoice, because God is truly with us.

Prayer

Sovereign God, as seasons of our lives change your Word remains constant. As we look toward the birth of Jesus, let our cold hearts be melted by the warmth of your love. Help us to encounter your presence and love in one another. Praise the Lord! Amen.

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