Psalms 16, 17; Isaiah 3: 8-15; Luke 20:41-21:4
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Chaplain Susan D. Douglas, Advent Meditation
One of the joys of this season is the purchasing and giving of gifts. Much thought goes into picking just the right treasure for every person on our list. We give out
of the abundance of our love and wealth.
Today, Jesus reminds us that the poor widow gave all that she had in dropping those two tiny copper coins in the temple treasury. As I read the scripture, it put me in mind of an old children’s carol. No doubt you’ve heard it recently in a store or on the radio. It tells of a young drummer boy who joins the Magi as they visit the manger to honor our newborn King. The only gift the young boy has to offer is a gift of the heart. He uses his God-given talent to play his drum for the infant Jesus.
In this time of preparation and waiting, I reflect again on how I spend my time, talent and treasure to honor Christ. Do I stand in his presence to love and adore him as this little boy did, or have the hustle and bustle of life kept me away? Do I have any gift fit for a King? Will I give out of my abundance or will I reach down deeply to give all that I have?
The carol ends by saying that the baby Jesus smiled at the drummer boy as he played. May the gifts we give this Advent season be equally pleasing to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Holy God, thank you for the abundant life received through your son. Help us share Christ’s good news with the world. Amen.
Chaplain Susan D. Douglas, BCC, ‘14
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Susan is the Wellness Coordinator for Saint Mary’s Hall School in San Antonio. She facilitates grief training for Porter-Loring Mortuary and the Community of Hope; serves as an adviser for veterans ministry in the Diocese of West Texas and is education chair for the APC Texas South region.
