Psalm 30, 32; Isaiah 8: 1-15; Luke 22: 31-38
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Betty Hewell, Advent Meditation
Advent – what a glorious time in the Christian faith. It is a time to reflect on the birth of our savior 
and all that meant, in God becoming flesh to provide the perfect example how to live in this world.
Today’s scripture reading comes from the twenty-second book of Luke where we hear Jesus predict Peter’s denial. It is heartbreaking to read, every single time. You want to cringe and turn your head. This time, one part of the passage stood out for me when reading how Jesus brings this news to Peter and how we should learn from this invaluable lesson.
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32
Failure. Don’t we all feel like Peter some days? We know we failed in some small or monumental way and feel unworthy of forgiveness. But His grace points the way back and gives us hope. God commands us to return in holy communion with Him and be in community fellowship so we may strengthen each other. Let us reflect on the calendar year which has nearly passed. Take stock of blessings, lessons learned, and in all things stay in fellowship with the One who makes us perfect.
God of hope and love, may we always return to You and strengthen our sisters and brothers. Amen.
Betty Hewell
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Betty Hewell comes to the seminary from The Seton Fund where as Senior Director of Development she served as Campaign Director for the $50 million fundraising campaign for Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, the new teaching hospital. Betty joined The Seton Fund in December 2012 after working for her alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin, for eight years in major gifts in the University Development Office and leading the major gifts team on the $3B fundraising campaign. She worked closely with various university leaders to successfully raise millions of dollars for programs, building projects, and endowments to benefit university endeavors. Previously, she worked in development for three years at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and for five years at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Houston. Hewell is a multi-generation Texan and a member of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church where she has been elected to the position of Elder.
