With the chaotic nature of coming back from the Thanksgiving holiday right into the end of the semester push, it is often hard to remember that our journey into Advent has begun. It’s not too late to sign up to receive the daily devotionals directly into your email inbox by subscribing at ukirkadvent.org, or download the printable pdf to have a hard copy of the whole devotional. (Notes for printing: Use ½” margins and set your double-sided printing to short-edge or horizontal binding. Fold in half, add a staple or two, and you’re all set.)
This free resource includes daily scripture readings, reflections, and prayers by students, campus ministers, and chaplains from 34 different Presbyterian-supported student faith communities alongside neighbors from other areas of the Church too. Below is the entry for December 4th written by Austin College Chaplain Rev. Dr. John Williams. We pray that the words and images in this devotional will add meaning to the coming days and weeks as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Acts 1:12-17, 21-26
This story of the calling of Matthias as the 12th Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot is evidence that – even after the tragedy and trauma of Judas’ betrayal – God continued to work among the apostles and within the early church. Their story wasn’t over. That’s the central message of Advent: the last good thing hasn’t happened yet.
Romeo heard Juliet
Say, “The last good thing hasn’t happened yet. Get a baby carriage and a bassinet.
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet.
We can do this; piece of cake, no sweat. The last good thing still hasn’t happened yet.
Early morning, grass is wet
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet
After midnight, don’t forget
That the last good thing still hasn’t happened yet
Long black limo and a string quartet The last good thing hasn’t happened yet Leave the graveyard, no regrets
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet
Epic blessings from the day we met.
And the last good thing still hasn’t happened yet.”
Prayer:
Generous and Extravagant God, at our best and worst times, when we rejoice, worry, or lament, at the cradle and at the grave, remind us of the truth of Advent and Easter that the last good thing hasn’t happened yet. Amen.
John Williams, Chaplain, Austin College