Psalm 126 • Habakkuk 2:1-5 • Philippians 3:7-11
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death…” (Philippians 3:10)
Suffering and death. Those are some heavy words for an Advent reflection. We are told that these are portals through which we can come to know Christ and experience resurrection. I wonder – how might we be called to participate in Christ’s suffering and death – on a seemingly ordinary day like today?
I can feel parts of myself resisting what God is calling me to in this time of change and uncertainty, clinging to familiar and comforting patterns.
What aspects of myself is God inviting to die away? Can I trust that by letting go of resistance and saying “yes” to a path of suffering, that I might come to know God more intimately?
As we wait in anticipation for the light of Christ to be birthed among us, we also receive a foretaste of what’s to come in the season of resurrection and renewal. Perhaps we can listen deeply for what the Spirit is calling us to release in this time of preparation for new life – even in small ways each day.
Is there a place of resistance, unlovingness, bitterness, or despair that I can surrender to God today – and give God space to infuse my life with something new?
May the Spirit empower me to let go – and make space for Christ’s illuminating presence in our suffering world. Amen.
James Adjen
MSF Class of 2021
Seminary of the Southwest
Listen to James read his meditation and prayer:
James Adjen has received training in Spiritual Direction from the Seminary of the Southwest where he is completing his Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation. In addition to his vocation as spiritual director, James also works as a pediatric dentist. He resides in Austin, Texas.
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.
