Thursday – December 3

Psalm 18:1-20; Amos 4:6-13; Matthew 21:33-46

 
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Alison O. Poage Advent Meditation
We recently had the 70-year-old foundation of our home replaced. The project did not go smoothly: water pipes broke, shower tiles cracked, tears spilled. During the process, I turned to my husband more than once and said, “Everything will be okay, right?”
As reassuring as his response always was, ultimately, my husband could not comfort me. The things he could do – stroke my hair, make a cup of tea, speak in a soft voice – slowed my breath and calmed my nerves, but my fear always returned when he was asleep.
When it is night, who is keeping watch?
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
-Psalm 18:2
Our house may not be in any condition to welcome guests this holiday season, but the foundation is done. We now feel solid ground beneath our feet. At Advent we remind ourselves that God is that foundation – the rock that is the source of our strength. While certain aspects of our lives might fall short of our expectations this Christmas, with this meditation we reaffirm that God is keeping watch. Things may not be perfect, but they will most certainly be “okay.”
Holy God, remove our fears and help us see that we are in your care at Advent and always. Amen. 
Alison O. Poage
Director, Booher Library
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
St. George’s Episcopal Church
AUSTIN, TEXAS

 
Alison O. Poage is the Director of the Booher Library at the Seminary of the Southwest.