Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 • 2 Samuel 6:12-19 • Hebrews 1:5-14
Tabernacles, arks, and even Zoom meeting rooms have provided space for the Lord to dwell. In a time such as this, we likely deserve some credit for building our virtual tabernacles and arks, cubit by cubit. We have been resilient in the face of this current pandemic, no doubt.
The scene in today’s Old Testament lesson is a joyous scene, and clearly David has done everything in his power to bring the Lord into his city. David brought up the ark; David made the sacrifice; and David danced. David takes such an active role in bringing the presence of the Lord into his domain and giving cause to the celebration.
We must not forget that Advent is the season in which we wait for God to make his move. Advent is not so much about our bringing up the ark as it is about our Lord coming down. Advent is the time of year in which we can expect God to come into our space. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11). The story for which we await has to do with the God whose steadfast love would only lead him to come to us. And yes, with the Lord born among us, we will have every reason to celebrate.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin
and enter in, be born in us today. Amen.
The Rev. Bert Baetz
Class of 2008
Rector
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Diocese of West Texas
Listen to Bert read his meditation and prayer:
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.
