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ADVENT WEEK ONEDecember 1, 2020Now to ThenMicah 4:6-13In that day, says the Lord, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away, and those whom I have afflicted. Micah 4:6There is no new normal. There is now and there is then. Now is really hard, especially for people in our world who already had it hard. And while we distress over the challenges of our now, this is not new.Today’s scripture is about one of those times. The prophet speaks hope to the ancient peoples whose lives were turned upside down because the part of the world where they lived was undergoing radical change and their political leaders were making things worse. This is not new.The actions of the political leaders made it especially hard for those who were barely getting by before the heaping on of the additional troubles. The prophet’s words were meant to help those just hanging on to have hope, even while they suffer. This is not new.Moving from the now of suffering to the then of hope isn’t new either. It’s a frequently repeated story in our faith’s scriptures.The prophet’s words do not take away, deny, or otherwise disparage suffering but rather point to the promise of God’s liberation for those most in need. These words of hope are meaningful because the speaker acknowledges the pain happening now, especially for the lame, driven away, and dispossessed.May we embrace the pain and suffering in our world this Advent as we prepare for the arrival of the one who comes to liberate all.Kurt GwartneySenior Director of Communications See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

ADVENT WEEK ONENovember 30, 2020Hope in Joy and PeaceMicah 4:1-5… but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. Micah 4:4The portion of today’s scripture that gives me the most hope is the result of the peace that verse four describes. All will have their place of shade and safety (vines) and food (fig tree). It doesn’t say that people won’t have fear—but won’t be made to fear by others.In early August, I had a day when everything weighed heavy on me. My ability to keep moving forward and deal with life ceased to exist… my coping capabilities took a vacation.I was worried about: people with the virus, people treating the virus, black people, trans people, people unable to pay their rent, people losing jobs, people being hungry, compassionless people, family safety, and a family mental health crisis. Concern, too much information that breeds fear… and then… the postal service? I think the effort to destroy the postal service may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was too much.I hit my limit of overwhelming concern for others and had to off-load. I sat with a friend and melted into a puddle of tears. I felt better, however I realized I needed to disconnect and take care of myself. So, I went camping which gives me strength and restoration. I restricted my social media and tried to be in the moment. To just be. I needed hope that the world would make it through this difficult period and that I could make it through with care and compassion… without breaking. I sat under the vine and ate the figs and let go of the fear.Hope seems impossible these days, and not everyone is allowed time to take off work, go camping, or take a mental break, but I must believe there is hope for peace and joy for all.May we rest under the vine and have plenty of figs to eat and not made to be afraid.Malisa PierceSenior Director of Advancement and Alumnae/i Relations See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A BountyMark 13:24-37“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert and pray.” Mark 13:32-33bDr. Terry EwingVice President of Advancement See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to the 2020 Advent Devotional podcasts from Phillips Theological Seminary. The words of Malisa Pierce, senior director of advancement, introduce this new series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Phillips Theological Seminary offers a daily Advent devotional starting the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29. Subscribe to listen to each day's podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.