Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 9:8-17; Mark 1:1-8
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Dr. Awa Jangha, Advent Meditation
“Someone is coming who is greater than I am” John says. John the Baptist did some pretty amazing things in his life. As an authentic soul he spoke truth, lived simply, and walked in his purpose. Many held him in high regard and put him on a spiritual pedestal of admiration and idealism, but he humbly corrected that notion. He refreshingly stated that someone was coming who was greater than him and who was able to surpass his work in the physical realm by being able to effect change in the spiritual realm. That someone John refers to is Jesus Christ.
It is reassuring to know that we believe in a God who is greater than the best of humanity. That greatness became evident in the good news that Jesus did in fact come on earth and was a living demonstration of walking grace and holiness. That greatness was proved in Jesus’ life and sacrifice for us all. That greatness died and resurrected himself for the redemption of you and me. It brings tremendous comfort to know that we can rely on, trust and rest in that greatness every day. Thanks be to God.
Lord, help us always to remember and give thanks for your wondrous greatness in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones.
Awa Jangha, PhD
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Dr. Jangha earned a PhD from Loyola University Maryland in Pastoral Counseling (a Counselor Education and Supervision program). Her research focuses on experiences of power in the pastoral counseling identity development of African-American female pastoral counselors in training and utilizes art as the means of exploration. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and art therapist. She has worked with a variety of clients and specializes in grief and loss, life transitions, and self-worth. Before moving to Austin, Dr. Jangha served in private practice in Washington DC, where she integrated art therapy with pastoral counseling. Her research interests include multicultural competency, counselor training and supervision, identity development, and arts based research. She has presented on creative expression and art therapy and co-taught courses at Loyola University Maryland.