Psalm 26, 28, 36, 39 • Isaiah 5:13–17, 24–25 • Luke 21:29–38
My daughter is in another state, attending college. Surely she knows our love for her extends across all distances. But we miss her and can’t wait for her to be home for the holidays so we can love on her even more. As a true Mama Bear, I start making preparations. Cleaning, shopping, cooking – so much to do. My emotions are mixed with excitement and anxiety. I’m excited to see how much she’s changed and anxious that I will not have everything done before she gets home for the holidays.
Psalms 36 declares, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” During this Advent season of waiting and preparing for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, we can become excited and anxious. Yet we can allow our burdens to be light, take refuge in God, and rest in the light of his love that surrounds us as we gather for this holy season. Things may not be perfectly done, and things may not always go the way we expect, but the anticipation of the coming Christ – Emmanuel, “God with us” – is the love that dwells, for every season.
Lord, may your love dwell in our lives, transcending beyond family bonds into the world, into a blessed eternity. Amen.
The Rev. Renee Greene
MDiv, Class of 2019
Seminary of the Southwest
Listen to Renee read her meditation and prayer:
Renée Greene, a senior MDiv student, is an ordained minister at Abundant Life Christian Church in San Marcos, Texas. She actively volunteers in her community and is a bridge builder in racial reconciliation efforts. Married for 26 years to her best friend, Ron, she is also the proud mom of Alexandria and Danielle.
The Advent Meditations and Prayers are a gift to our seminary community and are made possible through gifts to our Annual Fund. Seminary of the Southwest appreciates the support of its friends, alumni, and the communities around the world that its graduates serve for the glory of God. This support ensures that Southwest, as an institution made of individuals dedicated to service to God and their fellow members of the body of Christ, can continue doing its part to build the body of Christ.
