Psalm 45, 47, 48 • Isaiah 9:1–7 • Luke 22:54–69
Peter’s denial of Jesus begins not with cowardice but confusion: “Woman, I do not know him!” This rejection is the reasonable disbelief of a disciple whose Messiah has failed. Peter believed Jesus to be the triumphant king: the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. But when Jesus is beaten and bound before his enemies, Peter is devastated. He no longer recognizes his Lord.
At times, it can be hard for us to recognize Jesus. The gloom and anguish we confront in our world can eclipse the peace promised by Christ. We, like Peter, become confused. Is Jesus really all that he claims to be? If you are our Messiah, tell us! If you are our Lord, show up!
But Advent reminds us that Jesus confounds our expectations. The Messiah who breaks the rod of the oppressor comes to us as an infant child. The king who reigns from David’s throne is crucified as a common criminal. The Lord who brings light to the darkness meets us at an empty tomb.
Despite his disappointment, Peter still lingers at the fireside – hoping that the Messiah will show up. We can join him there. Drawn like moths to the flame of God’s promises, we learn to wait and watch for the unexpected Lord. Amid the darkness of our world, let us trust that God might still have some surprises left in store.
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, pierce the veil of our confusion. Help us see your will at work in our lives. Amen.
Brian F. Fox
DAS, Class of 2019
Seminary of the Southwest
Diocese of New Jersey
Listen to Brian read his meditation and prayer:
Brian Fox completed his MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary and is pursuing his Diploma of Anglican Studies at SSW. While he misses New York pizza, he has found Texas barbecue to be an adequate substitute. He currently lives in San Antonio with his wife, Alayna, and their two celebrity cats, Glamdring and Gobby.
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.
