Psalm 114, 115, 148, 149, 150 • Amos 6:1-14 • Luke 1:57-68
“What then will this child become?”
The significance of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and John’s birth rippled out and out and out, finally gracing our distant shore. What will this child, John, be and become? A surprise gift to an old man and an old woman who thought their lives were dried up. A brother in a line of surprising siblings — Laughter (Isaac, born to Sarah), God Heard, (Samuel, born to Hannah), God has been Gracious (John, to Elizabeth) – a sign of God’s relentless thirst to bless God’s people Israel. “Blessed be the God of Israel, for God has looked favorably on God’s people and redeemed them.” A current carrying news of jubilee for the sake of all nations. From the household, to Israel, to the world. God advancing the already-not-yet long rapids of connection and reconciliation and love, for the sake of the world. For the sake of us. For your sake. For your sake this wave comes and carries you toward redemption.
The Rt. Rev. Kathryn Ryan, ’92
Bishop Suffragan
Diocese of Texas
Bishop Suffragan Kathryn M. Ryan serves as Regional Bishop in the West Region of the Diocese, overseeing pastoral and administrative needs in the region. She is the Executive for Ministry, overseeing the Commission on Ministry and the ordination process. She is also the Executive for World Mission and chairs the boards of the following diocesan institutions: El Buen Samaritano, St. Stephen’s School, and Seminary of the Southwest. Nationally, she serves on the board of Episcopal Relief & Development and on the Disciplinary Board for Bishops.
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.
