"A gift from our community of faith to you. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."
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Advent Devotional for December 8
• Jude 1-16
We live in a world today that teaches its inhabitants to fend for themselves. Sacrifice in the name of growth and prosperity runs abundant, and there is little regard given to self-reflection, love for others, or even love for the earth that we live on. There are those who live among us who despise others based on class, culture, race, or sexual orientation. They hate the love that God has taught us to show one another without regard. Some among us even hide behind the name of Jesus Christ as they perform these acts of hate—even with the knowledge that Christ brought love to us and not hate. Jude warns those who have stealthily joined Christ’s church with hopes to infect it with the hate of the world. We must stand fast with the Spirit and hold true to the love that Christ has shown us. We are called by Christ to bring God’s Kingdom of grace and mercy.
As we embark on this task, we must remember that we are emissaries of love for Christ and not carriers of hate and injustice. As we move closer to Christ’s birth, we contemplate the rejoicing that must have occurred at the birth of a savior who would not come to conquer, but to lay down His life for the love of humanity. Jesus did not come for a select few but for all—race, creed, gender, or orientation were not “part of the entrance exam” for Jesus’s “party.” As He came to serve and eventually sacrifice for all, we should do the same. Love is the greatest commandment.
Lord, I come to you knowing that I am not always as I
should be.
I am led astray by the world, as I neglect the
guidance of your Spirit.
Forgive me for this straying,
And guide me back onto the path
that leads to Your glory
and is paved with Your love.
Open my eyes and heart to others around me,
And allow me to be an instrument
of Your Will,
of your Love.
For it is in the name of Christ Jesus that I pray, Amen.
Derrick Ouellette
Student from San Marcos, Texas
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
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