Psalm 18:1-20; Isaiah 3:8-15; Luke 20:27-40
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
The Rev. Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio, PhD, Advent Meditation
David sings today’s psalm after God delivered him from Saul. In it he describes how
God appeared in the heavens, using darkness, arrows, smoke, coal, and fire before swooping down and pulling David out of the waters to safety.
Now why did God do all this?
Because, as David writes, “He delighted in me.”
The idea that God delights in us is a reminder that we have worth. We have an innate dignity that isn’t based on what we do or say. Simply by being human, by being made in God’s image, we have value, and that value imparts delight to our Creator.
If we are to live in God’s image, then it becomes our job to seek the innate worth of others; it becomes our job to delight in our neighbors because they are here among us.
We may do that through patient communication, kindness, or even through practicing openness to those who challenge us.
As I write this with Advent in mind, I’m reminded of the innkeeper who gave Mary and
Joseph a place to start their family even though they were strangers. The innkeeper gives us a concrete example of what it means to value the innate dignity and worth of others. As we approach Christmas, may we strive to be like the innkeeper and like
God, delighting in all of creation.
Holy God: Give us hearts that delight in others so that we may help create the world as you intend it to be. Amen.
The Rev. Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of Field Education
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
The Rev. Dr. Danielle Hansen is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Seminary of the Southwest. Before arriving at the Seminary, she was Chaplain at Groton School and a lecturer at Yale and Tufts Universities. She is the author or editor of three books. www.danielletumminio.com
