In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  (John 14: 2)

As time grows shorter in the Advent season, we are reminded that the commitment to prepare is not ours alone. Even as we anticipate greeting the Holy Child, we remember that Jesus the Redeemer is still at work on our behalf.

Jesus is coming into the world as an infant, and Jesus is transcending the world in his work of redemption. Our life in this world is sanctified by his birth, death and resurrection, and our life in the world to come is being shaped by his deep and abiding love and care for us.

Jesus promises us that he continues the work which is beyond our understanding and continues to create new life and possibility beyond our meager ability to understand. “Many dwelling places” still await us. We are comforted by the knowledge that whether we are gathered at the manger or have completed our lives on earth, we have a holy and secure dwelling.

All these dimensions of life are infused with profound joy and blessing. Advent gives us a rich opportunity to rejoice in the love of God and to be confident that God’s love in Jesus always provides the perfect place.

O God of infinite love and possibility, empower our hearts to treasure the gift of Jesus in this world and the next. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Dena A. Harrison, ’87, ‘08
Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of Texas
Board Chair, Seminary of the Southwest
AUSTIN, TEXAS