Monday – November 30

Psalms 1,2,3; Amos 2:6-16; Matthew 21:1-11

 
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Gregory Warren Advent Meditation
Black Friday marks the official kickoff to the Christmas shopping season in this country. Each year, the Thanksgiving night spectacle is filled with reports of shoppers brawling over the latest ‘it’ toy or electronic ‘must-have.’ For several hours, bargain hunters wreak havoc on store shelves, employees, and each other to get the elusive perfect gift.
I am reminded of that chaotic scene in today’s gospel when Matthew declares Jerusalem ‘in turmoil’ when Jesus enters into the city. The humble arrival of the prophet Jesus on a donkey triggers both joy and fear and trembling in Jerusalem.
As we enter this Advent season, I am reminded to spend more time contemplating God’s perfect gift, His Son, and the emotions it still elicits across these centuries, and maybe less time worrying about, or fighting over, my own imperfect ‘gifts.’
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven! Amen.
Greg Warren
All Saints’ Bentonville, Arkansas
Master of Divinity, Class of 2018
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST

 
Greg joins SSW from the Diocese of Arkansas where he spent the past five years working at the Walmart Home Office in marketing and the Office of Diversity.  Before that, he enjoyed a long career in marketing and advertising.  Greg joined the Episcopal Church a little over 5 years ago, and is excited to be a part of this fantastic journey.  He lives in Austin with his partner Mark and their three crazy hounds.