Daily Advent Devotional

The World Upside Down

Samuel 2:1-10

Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies because I rejoice in my victory… the bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 1 Samuel 2:1, 4:4-5

Hannah has just left her long-desired infant son with the priest at the temple in Shiloh. She has fulfilled her vow to God: If she were given a son, she would give him to the temple to become a nazarite, a servant of God, for his lifetime. She had been barren, enduring both the clumsy sympathy of her husband and the jeers from his fertile, second wife. 

Now she breaks out in a prayer of praise to God. But this is not the expected joyful thanksgiving for a son. It is a song praising God’s power to create reversals: rich to poor, low to exalted places, bringing to Sheol and raising up.

Scholars believe this is an ancient Hebrew hymn, placed in Hannah’s mouth since her story emphasizes a particular example of Yhwh’s theology of reversal. These great reversals can also be seen in Mary’s prayer of praise in Luke, and even in Jesus’ Jewish theology in his Sermon on the Mount. This upside-down world of our Judeo-Christian tradition is truly a call for joy in this Advent season, our “hope for years to come.”

Sandy Shapoval

Dean of the Library

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Staying Open to Closed Doors

Genesis 17:15-22

God said to Abraham, “As for Sarah your wife… I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her.” Genesis 17:15-16

Imagine (or recall) a whole life of your partner leaving the toilet seat up even if you (or child) continuously falls in, or a whole life of having a roommate that won’t stop leaving the kitchen cabinet doors open after literally thousands of pleas to STOP THE MADNESS AND CLOSE THE CABINET DOORS, THE CAT IS GETTING THE DISHES HAIRY. At some point you will likely run out of hope that things can change. You may even begin to question if the “offending party” even loves you—if they did, wouldn’t they care about your comfort?

Now imagine one day the cabinet doors are miraculously closed, or the toilet seat is down… and it never happens again. Would you feel seen? Loved? In case of Abraham and Sarah, The Holy One sees their advanced age and blesses them with a geriatric pregnancy (which sounds harsh but is also the contemporary medical terminology for pregnancy after 35 years old. I’m only a messenger!), making good on promises for progeny that would rule nations.

Advent is a season of waiting, anticipation, and expectation. By this time in the scripture Abraham and Sarah have lived and waited through many seasons together—long enough to know the unglamorous ebbs and flows of spending a whole life with someone. It’s easy to become dismissive of hope for things to change after living a lifetime with them the way they are. They must have given up some hope in their heart for a child—yet by grace Sarah becomes a mother. A closed door opens. 

In this season of hope and anticipation, what does it mean for us to anticipate (or expect) God’s love? Maybe it means responding to seemingly closed doors (or open cabinet doors) in faith, trusting the reality of love we can’t see rightly when we aren’t looking. We receive God’s love with every breath, every heartbeat, every bout of inspiration, in every act of kindness, compassion, or mercy, in simple expressions of love, peace, creativity, bravery, sacrifice, or beauty.

Perhaps to expect God’s Love in the world is to live with openness and readiness to receive love in unexpected ways, at unexpected times, and in humbling abundance. 

Cortney Lemke

Director of Admissions

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Dreaming During Advent

Matthew 1:18-25

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him... Matthew 1:24a

Deeply embedded within African American culture, dreaming is a resource for surviving the everyday traumas of being Black in America. In the days of my youth, dreams were understood to be messages from God as guidance for daily living. Everyone, whether within the church community or the extra-church community, understood the messages from dreams to promote individual and communal well-being. Dreaming, like praying, kept African Americans close to and in constant conversation with God.

Because dreaming was such a normal part of life in my childhood, the sharing of dreams represented a spiritual discipline. As powerful as the experience of dreaming is, dreaming is nothing without dream interpretation. Within African American dream interpretation, dreams are less about symbolic representations but are understood to be direct and literal communications. Dreams are intended to keep the dreamer from harm by revealing what was previously hidden or by revealing the person’s responsibility or irresponsibility.

Joseph’s dream, using an African American cultural interpretation, is seen as a visitation and direct communication from “an angel of the Lord.” “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Joseph did not reflect on the symbols of the dream; nor did he hesitate and explore multiple ways to interpret the angel of his dream. Once he awoke, he accepted the message as direct from the Lord and did as he was instructed. By Joseph following his dreams, he became an active agent within God’s plan for redeeming creation. May we all, like Joseph, follow our dreams as divine messages from God! 

Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr.

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean

William Tabbernee Professor of the History of Religions and Africana Pastoral Theology

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Embracing the Both/And

John 3:31-33

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. John 3:31-33

“In a world that tries to push us to either/or, the true gift we give ourselves is embracing the both/and.” These words from my late mentor, Gail O’Day, deeply resonate with me as I think about the invitations of the fourth canonical gospel. A quick read of this text may have us thinking that Jesus’ heavenly origin was more important than his earthly experience. But I believe the real wisdom is in the both/and. 

John 3:33 says, “Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true.” 

What is the testimony that certifies God is true? It was certainly that Jesus came of divine origin. It was also his practices on earth of attending to those harmed, engaging with those not popular, decentering normativity through his parables, and believing that a more just world was possible through our practices. These things and so much more were Jesus’ testimony. They are the signs and markers of a God that is true.

In the midst of this Advent season, as we find ourselves waiting and wondering while still working and trying to navigate the chaos of this world around us, perhaps we might find comfort, hope, and possibility in considering the both/and. Yes, Jesus is divine and also, Jesus’ witness to God’s nature is also shown through his life here on earth.

Yes, the world is full of grief and yes, we can feel gratitude for the things around us that spark peace and enliven joy. Yes, we may have some real questions for God about all that’s going on in this world and also yes, we can still believe God is love and is still calling us to be that love on this earth. 

May we find an invitation this season in the beloved opening of the both/and and the testimony of Jesus that reminds us of who God is. 

Dr. Chelsea Brooke Yarborough 

Assistant Professor of African American Preaching, Sacred Rhetoric, 

and Black Practical Theology

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What is My House?

2 Samuel 7:18-22

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 2 Samuel 7:18

The ark of the covenant carried God’s presence. Up to this point, the ark was being carried around in a mobile tent, with no permanent home. After David is anointed as king, he defeats the Philistines and after defeating them, David is tasked with building a house for God’s presence to dwell in. David sees this as an honor.

In David’s response to God’s instructions, David first shows his humility. He says, “who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me thus far?” David is not from royal blood. His origin is one of lowliness and struggle. However, God takes a shepherd and makes him a king. 

Just like David, many people today do not come from royal blood. Our origin tells the story of who we are and where we have come from. Although there are times when we may see ourselves as unworthy to fulfill the tasks and assignments that God has called us to, God is faithful to love us well, to reveal God’s grace to us, and to bless us.

Not only does David show humility, but David also shows gratitude. David recognized that what God had instructed him to do was a small thing in comparison to the promise that would come. May David’s response to God be a reminder to us all during this Advent season that no matter what the origin of our lives may be and no matter how small the instructions may seem, God has great destiny and promise for you and your house.

Jas Geiger

Student Senate Member, MDiv Student

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No Bartering Required

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

May You honor the people at Your right hand. May You honor the nation You have raised up for Yourself. Then we won’t turn away from You. Give us new life [and we] will worship You. Psalm 80.17-18 (NIRV)

Like many of us, I have favorite Psalms, but the ones I like least are what I call Psalms of Barter. They acknowledge God’s greatness, ensure God understands how desperate and dire things are, and then make conditional promises: “We’ll do this for You, if You’ll do this for us.” Psalm 80 is one of them: “God, You’re all-powerful. You can save us if You will—and why wouldn’t You? And if You’ll save us, we’ll worship You forever. 

I dislike Bartering Psalms because they’re empty offers to do what God’s people should have already been doing. We’ll stop straying and start worshipping You if You’ll…. Maybe I dislike them, though, because they confront me.

We barter picking up a Bible, praying every day, attending worship every week, inviting someone to church if God will…. There’s something altruistic about bartering for peace to reign or pandemics to end. Then there’s the peace at this year’s Christmas gathering or enough money to purchase just-the-right presents. Peace and harmony. More than enough. All the makings of joy.

I was told of an aged woman who, like most in her tiny Italian village, hobbled down a steep hill every day to the village square. The villagers didn’t have much and lived lives most of us reading this would consider desperate and dire; yet they had no dearth of joy. When asked what could possibly bring them such joy, the woman responded, “You find joy when you get what you want; we let joy find us.” 

No bartering required. One of Christmas’ secrets had found the villagers: there’s only one Giver of Joy, who can’t be bought or bribed.

Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian

Adjunct Professor, Center for Ministry and Lay Training

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Joyful Action 

Zechariah 8: 1–17

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord. Zechariah 8: 16–17

In this section of Zechariah, the prophet speaks of a God who makes a lot of promises. God promises to restore Jerusalem in many ways. God promises long lives and joyful children as part of an overall rebuilding on Jerusalem. God promises a world that is not restored to its former glory, but made even better, stronger, and more righteous. This is all a part of God’s overall promise to dwell among them and be their God. The prophet presents this not as God doing these acts begrudgingly, but as God taking delight in God’s people. 

And what does God ask in return? For our own joyful action. For this joyful society to exist, the people need to speak truth and show love and peace through their actions. This should not be done begrudgingly or unwillingly, but as acts of joy. 

While it may be hard to believe, we in modern day times, also get to create a society that is joyous, peaceful, and loving by consistently doing the same acts of truth, love, and peace. May we truly believe in this possibility, act accordingly, and move forward with joy. 

Dr. Annie Lockhart-Gilroy

Associate Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology and 

Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program

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Time for Wavering

Jude 1:17-25

And have mercy on some who are wavering. Jude 1:22

I’ll be honest: being assigned this passage felt a bit like sitting next to someone on an airplane who, after a few minutes of pleasant chitchat, mentions sotto voce that we are clearly living in the end-times. “Oh no,” one thinks. “This is going to be a long flight.” 

At only 24 verses, the book of Jude at least spares us a lengthy voyage; it’s more of a puddle-jump. Nevertheless, the author is eager to let the reader know that the end is nigh. Having just quoted the apocalyptic text of I Enoch (v. 14-15), the author drives the point home: “In the last times there will be scoffers who follow their own desires.”

Yes, well, I suspect he’s right. I imagine, too, that in the last days there will be people who misplace important items and are cranky when they don’t get enough sleep. While these might not be our favorite behaviors, they are reliably human ones.

But as this short flight begins its initial descent, there is a moment of gentleness from our apocalyptic seatmate: “have mercy on those who are wavering,” he says. It’s that verse which sticks with me as I gather my metaphorical luggage from the metaphorical overhead bin. For the apocalypse didn’t, as it turns out, show up shortly after the author of Jude wrote this letter.

The congregation which so worried him because of its inclusion of interlopers, transgressors, selfish people, grumblers, and the like: they ended up having a while to work things out. So that mercy he called for was, in retrospect, a decent investment. Perhaps we would do well to remember that in our own moments of apocalyptic moral urgency. 

Dr. Sarah Morice Brubaker

Associate Professor of Christian Systematic Theology

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Seeking What is Holy

Psalm 42

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Psalms 42:1

A popular Psalm and possibly even a more popular song derived from the Psalm invoking images of a deer thirsting for water symbolizing the author’s thirst for the divine. In a world where having clean water and even having access to water is a growing threat to the wellness of creation, we are reminded of the simple need to live in balance and harmony recognizing the divine or holy in all of creation.

Many of us in the United States have even distanced ourselves from the natural desire to drink straight from natural water sources, but yet we still thirst for what gives us life. Sometimes, without even knowing, we possess this thirst and even a hunger to be in fellowship with what is holy. 

During this moment in the church calendar, those who have found a home in the Christian movement are asked to remind themselves of the coming light and of the coming goodness we celebrate during this season.

In the same manner as our Psalmist, let us not forget the intimacy that we desire with our Creator and all of creation as we seek to live a life of abundance. And as our meditations and actions move us closer to the divine, may our prayers and thoughts center around our entire global community as we navigate a world that often disappoints.

May our lives point to the same presence that gives us life and may we also be reminded that this presence is found in all the world around us. May the joy we seek be a joy that is experienced by all. 

Rev. Chebon Kernell

Executive Director, Native American Comprehensive Plan

Phillips Seminary Board of Trustee Member

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Week Three

December 11, 2022

Joy and Grief

Matthew 11:2-11

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Matthew 11:2-3

Imagine John in prison defeated, frustrated, angry, grief stricken. Then he hears rumors of a man—the man he baptized—teaching and healing. Then John receives confirmation that Jesus is the one that he was proclaiming. 

The scripture does not mention how John reacted when the messengers came back to him verifying the rumors. We can only speculate how John felt. Joy. Gratitude. Elation. How would you feel seeing your life’s work affirmed and fulfilled? Then add to that knowing the purpose of this man, the Messiah. Joy in overabundance coming forth in the knowledge of what the future holds.

My father died just a few months ago. I still feel as if I am in a bit of a prison of grief. So, this year during Advent, I may not experience joy in overabundance, and John may not have either, but I am determined to find joy and experience it in even the smallest, fleeting ways. Memories of my dad reading the Christmas story. The joy of watching my niblings’ excitement while they open presents. The joy of lazy winter holiday naps—which my dad loved. Joy and grief can coexist.

Throughout the rest of the Advent season, as we wait, let’s make a point to stop what we are doing, focus on our breath for 20 seconds and then focus on our surroundings. What joy can you find in the moment? 

Malisa Pierce

Assistant Vice President of Advancement

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