December 2, 2022

Advent Devotional December 2, 2022

Scripture

Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2     Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
    so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
    and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
    from all its iniquities.

Devotional

The Rev. Maryjane Peck, DMin student

Advent is a time of longing and waiting. There is a collective remembrance of what was and a desire for more. The need for divine connection permeates throughout this season. During the years before Christ’s coming, change (some good and some bad) continued to happen to God’s people as it does today. Life is not stagnant; rather it is always full of movement. Throughout all the lifetimes and changes, hope prevailed. God’s promise was of redemption: “a light will shine out of darkness.” Advent reminds us that in the dark of this season, Christ’s light will shine.

Today, we still long for God to be near to us. We ask for God’s grace to surround us as we cope with day to day living. In our anxiety and fears, we call out to God in prayer. God hears our cries. Even in our darkest hours, God hears us. Knowing that we are never alone or far from God’s love provides comfort and healing. As Christmas approaches, it is a reminder of God’s promise that was fulfilled. We can rejoice because God continues to love us beyond our imagining. Today Christ’s light will shine around, in, and through us as we share in the love of God in our daily lives.

Prayer

O God, as the ancient prophets cried to you, hear my prayer. I search for the same star that guided the wise ones to guide me to you. Let me follow your path of truth, no matter what temptations, discouragements, or false idols are put in my way. God, you are my hope and salvation. Let me feel your presence always. 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!