Advent Devotional 2019 by Covenant Presbyterian Church

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL

2019

LIGHT OF HOPE L I GH T O F HOPE Psalm 33; 146, Amos 3:1-11, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Matthew 21:12-22 Psalm 33; 146, Amos 3:1-11, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Matthew 21:12-22 by jack feger by jack feger

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PRAYER

ADVENT FAITH PRACTICE

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INT RO DU CT I O N If you’re anything like my family and me, the next few weeks will be filled with preparation. Christmas presents will be purchased, menus created, flights arranged and guest rooms made up. All for what? To celebrate with loved ones on Christmas morning. But there’s a chance that while we prepare for the details of the holiday that we will miss preparing our spirit to experience God’s grace in this season. W.H. Auden’s Christmas poem, “For the Time Being,” describes the shepherds’ march to Bethlehem to see what has been announced to them. It’s not what we might expect from a Christmas poem, at least not this part of the narrative. It is a bit dark and apprehensive. But it is not without hope. We who must die demand a miracle. How could the Eternal do a temporal act, The Infinite become a finite fact? Nothing can save us that is possible: We who must die demand a miracle. Advent is a time to acknowledge that there is so much about this world that isn’t right. It is a time to acknowledge that we all wait—along with all creation—for Christ to come and set those things right again. Our waiting teaches us to hope for something more, something beyond ourselves, to bring healing and salvation to our lives. To prepare room for Christ means emptying ourselves of what we think is possible. Then the miracle happens. As you read and share the reflections and stories contained in this devotional, I pray they will prepare you for the miracle of all miracles: Christ’s birth on Christmas morning and the grace that enters the world through it. Jon Wasson Associate Pastor for Discipleship

HOW TO US E T H I S D EVOT I ONA L This Advent devotional is intended to be a useful tool to help you prepare him room during this special season of anticipation. Inside you’ll find reflections written by Covenant members wrestling with scripture, poems commissioned especially for this devotional, recipes to try, interviews and more. The daily scripture readings include a Psalm, an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading and a Gospel reading. Each day’s selected passages are drawn from the Two-Year Daily Lectionary from the Book of Common Worship. We encourage you to read all the scriptures for each day and invite you to pay attention to how God may be speaking to you through the daily scripture readings and the author’s reflection.

T U E S D AY DECEMBER

FORM AND SPACE: IN AND AROUND AND THROUGH Psalm 24; 150; Amos 1:1–5, 13–2:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11; Luke 21:5–19 by dan hart

S U N D AY DECEMBER

“When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down’” (Luke 21:5 – 6).

Just after my first year in architecture school, I experienced the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Having grown up in a rural farming community, no wonder this modern architectural icon left an impression. I had studied the form of the building before going. Still, standing in the space; seeing the roof vaults, ingeniously slotted to allow a warm, silvery wash of natural light ... I was overcome. Jesus’ disciples, probably rural teenagers, are overcome with the temple’s dazzling and intricately ornamented limestone walls 100 feet high. This magnificent edifice wasn’t just architecturally impressive, it was the center of their universe—the dwelling place of God. Architecture begins when material walls, floors and ceilings are connected and create form. In, around and through the form, there is space. Faith, like architecture, is that interplay between form and space, truth and grace. The disciples are enamored with the form of the temple. Jesus urges them to see beyond. He is reclaiming the superficial forms of faith by filling them full with life-giving space in and around. Jesus is saying, when form becomes the thing, it has to be “thrown down.” There has to be a new form—one that creates life-giving space. Jesus goes on to echo Amos, difficulties are coming—hollow forms won’t suffice. Advent is about anticipating God in the form of a person. John says “. . . the Word became flesh and templed among us. . .full of grace and truth.” And Jesus, the new form, makes space for us to see we are dazzlingly formed temples too. Is grace flowing in, around and through you?

Dan and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Austin last September after living in Midland for 20 years. Dan joined Covenant in March and is a proud member of the Koinonia Class. Dan is an architect whose career has been focused primarily on collaborative design for worship and education.

PRAYER Emmanuel (God-with-us), This advent season, help me examine where my faith practices have become mostly form without much space, truth without much grace. How can I engage in solitude, community and service in renewed, life-giving ways? Help me take those forms down that are hard, brittle and hollow in favor of new ones that allow space—life and vitality—flowing in, through and around. Amen. 6

THE HANDS OF CHRIST Psalm 122; 145; Amos 2:6–16; 2 Peter 1:1–11; Matthew 21:1–11 by shelly russell

M O N DAY DECEMBER

I remember dreading going to the Christmas Eve service a few months after my mom died. I did not want to see all the happy families, sing all the familiar songs, or hear all about the joy and hope that I most definitely did not feel in my heart.

Sitting in a pew with a Kleenex wadded up in my fist, I remembered that my Aunt Joan had told me, “The Lord holds all these days in his hands.” I realized that my family and friends had been these hands of Christ holding me up. I reflected on all the beautiful acts of kindness that had been shown to me over those difficult months including cards, meals, hugs, phone calls, pictures, prayers and walks/runs with me on the trail. It was through these relationships and connecting with others that comfort and healing were brought to my heart. In that moment, I was able to hold both grief and gratitude at the same time and was overwhelmed by the love and compassion that had been given to me. If your heart is broken today, know that you are worthy of love and know that you are not alone. Psalm 145:13–14 says, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Please be gentle with yourself and be aware that the holidays may intensify your feelings. It is helpful to make a plan and know your limitations. During this busy Advent season, take a moment to pause and reflect on who in your life might be having a difficult time right now. Think and pray about how you can be the hands of Christ for this person. What is something you can do today or this week?

Shelly Russell is a part-time social worker and a full-time Uber driver for her three children. She has been attending Covenant for eight years.

PRAYER Dear God, Thank You that You are always with us and give us the strength, grace and courage we need to face life’s darkest days. Please help us be a comfort and light to someone today. Amen.

FAITH IN GOD’S PLANNING Psalm 33; 146; Amos 3:1–11; 2 Peter 1:12–21; Matthew 21:12–22 by luke stone

T U E S D AY DECEMBER

Psalm 33:10 says, “The Lord brings the counsel of nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the people.” Obviously, the psalmist wrote this before 2019. Checklists and calendar notifications have created control in my life. Archived emails tell me that I accomplished something. The color blocks on my calendar tell me I am being productive. Pushing toward the next line item allows me to dictate the outcomes of my universe.

Unfortunately, new technologies have not solved all of our issues and I am constantly reminded that God still “frustrates the plans of the people.” My organizational habits do not give me real control over my life or the lives of others. All I have done is created a false comfort. This false comfort makes reality that much more difficult to swallow when plans shift and I cannot get back on track. My sin is on full display as plans unravel and selfish tendencies take over. Reliance on my controls has always created a cycle of disappointment and frustration. Fortunately, God does not leave us wholly reliant on our planning capabilities. Immediately following verse 10, the psalmist writes “the counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” God gives his people the option of choosing the counsel of nations or of the Lord. We are blessed with making our plans according to God’s steadfast and all-knowing counsel. Advent serves as the guide for how we must place our hope in Christ above our ability to control. We are no longer forced to “place our trust in princes, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 146:3). Christ provides salvation. We may now place our faith in a perfect being that both recognizes our struggles and provides us a path to true fulfillment.

Luke was regrettably born in Dallas but moved to Austin as soon as he could. He has a bachelor’s degree from McCombs at the University of Texas and a law degree from Washington and Lee University. He works for a private real estate lender. He and his wife, Jewel, joined Covenant in 2018.

PRAYER Lord, Thank You for providing us a true and perfect guide. We pray that our faith will remain in You instead of our capabilities. Help us to place our hope in your works and in your love this Advent season. Amen.

OVERFLOW WITH JOYFUL PRAISE Psalm 50; 147:1–11; Amos 3:12–4:5; 2 Peter 3:1–10; Matthew 21:23–32 by karla gillan Recently as I scrolled my feed on Facebook, I came across a friend’s post. It was simply a picture of her playing with a puppy. A snapshot. A moment captured. Yet what drew me in was the joy beaming from her face. She radiated absolute pure joy that lit up her whole countenance. It was inescapable. It was captivating. It spread beyond her smile all the way up to her eyes. And I think I know the how behind the why. She is a retired minister and spends daily time in scripture, in prayer and in praising God. The results are far reaching. She is so filled with joy through praise that it effortlessly overflows onto others.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER

Yet as we enter this busy season, how do we keep plugged in to praising God? How do we not let our Pinterest expectations trump our time with our Creator? I think I have a couple of solutions: Anytime I see sequential numbers on a clock, I see it as a reminder to praise God. At 12:12, I read a psalm of praise. At 7:47, I say a prayer of thanksgiving. At 10:01, I sing a song of praise (to myself if I’m in public). Also, I’ve started to press pause for an entire week in December. For seven full days, I refrain from all holiday planning and shopping. I take long walks. I set aside time to be still and quiet and spend time with the One who provides the best gift of all. This holiday season, I invite you to slow down and seek out ways to stay connected. It could be as simple as saying a psalm of praise at noon, taking a walk in nature for 20 minutes or attending Covenant’s silent retreat on December 7. May the Lord fill your heart this Advent season so your joy will overflow onto others. “…It’s the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you my salvation” (The Message, Psalm 50:22–23).

Karla Gillan has been at Covenant a few years and appreciates the connections she has made through Lamplighters, Deacon meetings and cohort group gatherings.

PRAYER Dear Gracious God, We praise You. We lift up our hearts in joyful praise. We ask for your joy to flow through us to others during this busy time. We pray for moments of stillness so that we may focus on You and give You praise. Amen.

ASK THE GROWN-UPS What is your favorite CHRISTMAS TRADITION? Instead of a tradition, I suggest offering a lunch to someone in need that you may find near you today.

The weekend of Thanksgiving, we decorate our Christmas tree while listening to our favorite Christmas music and watching classic movies.

- Jaeweon Kim

- Sarah Borders

Our family’s Christmas morning tradition is enjoying a family recipe breakfast casserole and drinking hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows. This is immediately followed by washing laundry because who gives toddlers hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows?!

Our favorite family tradition is caroling in our neighborhood.

- Matt & Jen Harold

- Shelly Russell

My favorite tradition is breakfast on Christmas Day morning. It’s a time of joy, even a sigh of relief that Christmas has come, and sharing that at breakfast with family and friends. - Stephen Murray One of our Christmas traditions is taking turns reading chapters from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It’s a hilarious tale about a family of rowdy kids and how they end up showing us the true meaning of Christmas. - Gary Pelphrey

My favorite family tradition is adding a new state capitol ornament each Christmas to our unique “tree.”

Our family’s favorite Christmas tradition is grabbing a Starbucks holiday brew and then going to the Lions Club lot on North Lamar and picking out a live Christmas tree.

- Jim McNabb

- Karla Gillan

As our family spends the holidays in a Colorado ski town, we always enjoy a white Christmas! Our new tradition is to create gift bags, usually with warm socks, candy and a gift card, and deliver to folks who are working on Christmas day. We love the surprised looks on the unexpecting but very appreciative faces! - Haden Spencer

Our kids, Sam and Clara, asked one Christmas Eve if they could build a “fort” out of sofa cushions and blankets in the den. They wanted to sleep in it so they could awaken and experience their Christmas morning haul—staged in the living room—together. How could we resist? - Dan Hart Tamales! - Scott Moore

Our family tradition involves traveling to Indianapolis to visit all of our family. And eating to a point where we are all uncomfortable. - Ethan Burris 10

ASK THE KIDS

If you could be any character in the Christmas story,

WHO WOULD YOU BE? I would be the camel; I have no idea why. -Reece, age 4

I would like to be Jesus because I want to be like Jesus. -Anabell, age 7

I would be Jesus because everyone is coming to him.

I would be Jesus because Jesus knows everything. -Joanna, age 10

-William, age 6 I would be the angel because I just like angels. I would be Jesus because he is tiny and cute, and I love babies.

-Logan, age 4

I would like to be Jesus because he makes me smile and be happy. -Eve, age 7

-Mason, age 7

I would be Santa. I would like to be little baby Jesus because he gets all that gold and moolah and stuff.

-Christopher, age 6

-Izzy, age 8

-Baker, age 10

I would be a baby because I would be little.

I would be the star because the star is important but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the main part.

I would be the guy that is chasing Jesus because he has a dog and I like dogs. -Peyton, age 9

I would be Captain America. -Muhammad, age 5

-Robbie, age 5

DID JESUS’ COMING CHANGE ANYTHING? Psalm 18:1–20; 147:12–20; Amos 4:6–13; 2 Peter 3:11–18; Matthew 21:33–46 by ed summers

T H U R S D AY DECEMBER

Did Jesus’ coming really change how God relates to us? Yes! It did! The verses for this passage help us see that change.

In the Psalms verses, David, thanking God for a battle victory, seems to describe an erupting volcano: “the earth quaked... smoke rose...fire came from his mouth...dark clouds... bolts of lightning.” In Psalm 147, David thanks God for “peace” but takes note of the snow, frost, wind, water and hail that enforce this peace. Amos harshly reports God’s effort to get the attention of the Northern Kingdom (Israel): “‘I gave you empty stomachs in every city... yet you have not returned to Me’, declares the Lord.” Besides famine, God also unsuccessfully employed drought, crop blight, mildew, plagues, warfare and fire. Failure! No wonder God changed his approach! The Matthew verses contain the parable in which the tenants murder the landlord’s son and refuse to pay their rent. Although the crowd with Jesus thinks the landlord should avenge the death of his son, Jesus says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” and then, “...the Kingdom of God will be... given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Jesus says that this is God’s settled intent: “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces.” Salvation cannot be stopped! The final selection (from 2 Peter) asks, “what kind of people ought you to be?” The familiar answer is so much easier said than done: “to live holy and good lives, while making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (God), and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Do you sense the change from a stern and violent, chosen-people-oriented discipline to a universally available path through love to eternal life? Jesus brought about this change; it is the difference He has made! Thank God for Advent!

Ed, a member of Covenant since 1968, was married to Kathryn Beke until her death in 2017. Ed is a Deacon, attends 8:15 Sunday worship, Koinonia and Men in the Word. He taught accounting and other subjects at Rice and the University of Texas at Austin until he retired in 2004.

PRAYER Jesus, Help us know and accept the blessings You are offering us right now! Amen.

CENTERED IN CHRIST Psalm 102; 148; Amos 5:1–17; Jude 1–16; Matthew 22:1–14 by sarah borders

F R I D A Y DECEMBER

The book of Jude warns us against the belief that God’s grace gives us permission to continue pursuing our self-centered desires. This can be difficult because the world tantalizes us with seductive promises of control, importance, meaning, escape and fulfillment-the promise to be our own god. Time and time again, we are lured by these possibilities, only to find them painfully empty.

In my own life, there have been times when I was afraid to follow the Lord’s plan for my life and truly surrender to him. I wanted to pursue my own interests and keep God at a comfortable distance so I could remain in control. I wanted God’s blessings, but also wanted to call the shots. Salvation? Yes, but on my own terms. I followed my natural instincts and ignored the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudging. Eventually, however, I was left unfulfilled and yearning for more. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to turn away from our selfish desires and follow him. We are reminded to stay within our limits, and let God be God. Instead of trying not to be self-centered in our own strength, scripture says we must build up our faith by spending time in his presence, encouraging one another and meditating on his word. In that way, we become more Christ-centered instead of selfcentered, and begin to live the abundant life God has for each of us.

Sarah and her husband, Tyler, have been attending Covenant since 2015. She has a consulting company and enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. The couple has a two-year-old son, Alexander, who keeps them on their toes!

PRAYER Lord, May You bless us and protect us. May You smile on us and be gracious to us. May You show us your favor and grant us your peace. In Christ’s name, Amen.

APRICOT ALMOND BREAD by Mary Jim McDonald

S E RV I N G S

8-10

RECIPE

breads

INGREDIENTS

TIME

30 min

INGREDIENTS: 1 (6 oz) package dried apricots, chopped

2 eggs

½ cup orange juice or water

½ cup oil

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup chopped toasted almonds

2 cups flour

½ cup buttermilk

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Apricot jam

½ teaspoon soda

Slivered almonds, lightly toasted.

½ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine apricots, orange juice and brown sugar. Heat to boiling. 2. Let stand about 10 minutes. 3. Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt. 4. Beat eggs with oil. 5. Stir in chopped almonds, buttermilk and apricot mixture. Mix just to blend. 6. Turn into greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees 50 to 60 minutes. 7. Cool 10 minutes in pan and remove. 8. Spread with apricot jam and garnish with whole almonds. Makes 1 loaf.

Mary Jim McDonald and her husband, George, have been Covenant members for more than 50 years, and there are not many Covenant activities of which they haven’t been a part. They have two grown kids, two grandsons and three great-grandkids. They are avid Longhorn fans; they especially love supporting the women’s volleyball team. 15

DON’T WAIT - DO JUSTICE! Psalm 90; 149; Amos 5:18–27; Jude 17–25; Matthew 22:15–22 by doug kilday

S AT U R D AY DECEMBER

Christmas conjures up so many joyful emotions as we wait to celebrate the coming of the Lord. In the Old Testament, the “day of the Lord” was an eagerly anticipated day—the day when God would come to bring deliverance for his people.

But the prophet Amos turns this world upside down. Waiting for the day of the Lord is fearful and dark: “Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord!” (5:18). It’s running from a lion, only to encounter a bear (5:19). It’s resting upon a wall, only to be bitten by a snake (5:19). The long-awaited day of the Lord is “pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness” (5:20). Wow. Talk about rain on your Christmas Day parade. What do we make of all this? Amos says God “hates” and “despises” our religious festivals, assemblies, offerings and the “noise” of our songs (5:21–24). But why? God is asking for something more—something much more: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never–failing stream!” (5:24). These familiar words, when read in context, are not a promise of what God will do for us, but a demand for us to act. We are to bring about justice and righteousness. And without these things from us, God has “no regard” for our worship, our singing, our assemblies and our offerings. God is waiting for us. God will certainly equip us and come alongside us as we serve his will. But God expects us to bring justice to the poor, the vulnerable and the outcast. God is waiting for us to create a world that more closely resembles his kingdom. It’s on us. What are we waiting for?

Doug is a lawyer, and he and his wife, Thais, have been Covenant members since 1997. He learned to jump from the high dive at age two, and serves Covenant’s Student Ministry as a D*Group leader.

PRAYER God, Change our hearts this Christmas season. Help us to see what is broken, and give us the courage to bring your justice and righteousness to all of your creation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

PEA-TOED JESUS Psalm 24; 150; Amos 6:1–14; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–12; Luke 1:57–68 by evie kling

S U N D AY DECEMBER

My niece Sally was born in late November 2015. Sally was my family’s first grandchild, so her birth was no small event. We were euphoric when summoned to the hospital to meet her. How should I describe that particular six-pound bundle? Her hair was downy, her toes were green peas—perfect. She captivated and thrilled us. The room brimmed with the kind of joy that left us unable to do anything but giggle and grin through a few happy tears.

In today’s passage from Luke, we encounter a similarly euphoric scene. Elizabeth and Zechariah, long childless, find themselves parents to a baby boy they name John. Neighbors rush over to see the wriggling infant and, I have to imagine, also grin through a few happy tears. In that moment, John the Baby is special not because of the prophesies he would one day make but because babies represent newness, goodness and possibility to adults who may have justifiably forgotten such things can exist. At Christmas, my mind turns to a similarly pea-toed Jesus. God—presumably not one to make decisions without a bit of forethought or rationale—chose to join humanity as an infant. Surely Mary and Joseph couldn’t help but feel the same awe Elizabeth, Zechariah and I felt. Surely, once the Magi arrived, a few joyful tears fell. Surely, I want to believe, even the animals peered with happy curiosity at their newest companion. In the Book of Isaiah, God promises, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” In Jesus’s birth, we see one manifestation of that promise embodied. We see Jesus showing us how, in a weary world, his birth is a tender expression of newness, goodness and possibility. May we remember and be heartened by that truth this Christmas season!

Evie is originally from Richmond, Va., moved to Austin in 2014 and began attending Covenant in 2018. She works at a family foundation and helps manage international nonprofit giving.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, We come to You today grateful for the hope and newness Jesus’s birth represents. This week, will You show me something new, full of possibility that You are birthing within me? Amen.

HO UR LY A P OCA LYPSE Mists of wistfulness

There is a feeling

envelop me

courses through you:

in waking angst

that any thing is possible —

against (again)

the tragic, magic,

the fall, and gauze

the unimaginable ravishment

the almost autumn trees,

of what you — what a single

who all this week

poem — can or cannot do.

(it seems unceasingly)

Let it rant, dismantle you.

have been shedding

Let it incant, impetal you.

their unnecessary layers in flagrancies, in

Grace will have its way:

emptying streams of green.

one day, say, or now. Everything within you —

Silence all the iambs.

ascending or descending

Perish the erasures

may be — lashed against

in this text you can’t stop

the masthead — cut through

reading, being read by.

by the prow or plough:

(The book of nature is

everything within you,

a pathless vastness,

every single thing must bow.

and exegesis endless as mere housekeeping.) So, sweep up the leaves that have been gathering.

◆ Rev. Dr. Travis Helms is an Episcopal Priest, and serves as Campus Missioner to the University of Texas and other

Now pile, bag them,

Austin area colleges and universities.

now let them burn.

Collective, a “poetry church” missional

He also directs LOGOS Poetry

(And, water, every month

community that congregates monthly

of every year, the lawn.)

He lives in Austin with his wife, Gracie.

at Lazarus Brewing Co. in East Austin.

EVERYTHING MUST BOW A Conversation with Travis Helms

We sat down with Travis to discuss his poem, “Hourly Apocalypse,” and the benefits of reading poetry, especially during Advent. Travis will teach a class at Covenant on poetry and theological imagination in March 2020.

HOW CAN POETRY ENRICH OUR UNDERSTANDING OF AND REFLECTION UPON THE INCARNATION? In the words of Malcolm Guite, a phenomenal poet, scholar and Anglican priest, poetry “incarnates insight.” Through its artful use of sound and sense, poetry is able to connect emotionally as well as communicate intellectually: to operate on the heart as well as the head. In the way it uses the actual texture of words (rhyme and rhythm) to produce an effect, it’s a very embodied form of relating. The word incarnation, as many know, comes from the Latin word for flesh: carno (as in carnivorous, or chile con carne). It means literally, enfleshment. Theologically, God’s incarnation means that the fullness of God — the source of all that is; the creator who is all love, all goodness, all truth, all beauty — becomes knowable (one might say relatable, translatable) to us by coming to dwell among us. Poetry, at its strongest, traffics in similar realities. It takes the most beautiful but abstract themes (love, loss, longing, grief) and makes them available for us by making them concrete. Paradoxically, it is poetry that is most specific and particular that is most able to evoke the universal.

WHERE DID THIS POEM COME FROM? The poem’s genesis was in that final line: “everything must bow,” which was an admonition given to me by an Episcopal priest and mentor one afternoon during seminary when, it so happens, I was effusing about the power of poetry to perform theology. One of the ways in which we “prepare him room” — make space in our lives for Christ’s constant incarnation — is by holding the things we love lightly. I was married in 2017, and as a first-time homeowner, I find myself frequently complaining about the demands of domesticity. If you’re not having to keep the lawn watered and cut, you’re having to rake leaves. There is so much pettiness that presents itself as urgent and important. But “Christ plays in ten thousand plays,” the poet Gerard Manly Hopkins said. Part of my spiritual practice is learning to be disruptable, to pay better attention: to cultivate an ability to better recognize, get present to and name the million minuscule ways in which the mystery of God incarnate is endlessly breaking in.

WHAT DOES APOCALYPSE HAVE TO DO WITH ADVENT? The priest in me and the poet in me have two different answers. In the Episcopal church’s calendar, the readings for Advent (Daniel, the ‘little Apocalypses’ in Mark and Matthew) all actually center on the need for making preparation, for keeping watch. Advent was originally understood as a “little Lent” in which one contemplates the importance of repentance — metanoia, turning one’s mind — to greet the light of Christ. In a more general sense, I chose this title to get at the ways in which God is always revealing God’s self to us — each and every moment in each and every thing. Some of the church’s early theologians spoke of the ‘two books’: sacred scripture and the book of nature, God’s creation. Part of poetry’s grace is helping us discover fresh ways in which God may be speaking to us — ways we may not yet have imagined. 19

SING PRAISES! Psalm 122; 145; Amos 7:1–9; Revelation 1:1–8; Matthew 22:23–3 by jim mcnabb

MONDAY DECEMBER

Advent can be a time of renewal, revitalization and even ritual. We are also reminded that the expectation of Jesus is rooted in ancient faith. Jesus himself rebuked the political leaders of his day, the Sadducees, saying, “Have you not read what was said to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is God not of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 23:31–32).

Emmanuel is God with us then and now, during Advent and always. “I am the Alpha and the Omega…who was and who is to come…” (Revelation 1:8). Several years ago, the religion reporter for the Austin American–Statesman asked me to write a guest column regarding faith. I wrote in part: “God is. There is, I believe, a current, an Other, an energy, a Source of steadfast love that seeks to bind all humankind, who told Moses, ‘I AM sent you.’ It is in this context that we may live and move and have our being.” This time of the year we see symbols—everything from stockings on the fireplace mantel to nativity scenes in special places. We pull them out only during this season. In our home we have what you could call a Christmas tree. On it are all the unique state capitol ornaments. We leave it up all year round and add another new ornament annually. That “tree” stands as a glittering reminder that God is. You have heard the phrase, “Christmas comes but once a year.” Really? King David wrote in what is now Psalm 145: “Every day I will praise you and praise your name for ever and ever.” Every day. Not just during Advent. Not just once a year.

Jim McNabb teaches public speaking at St. Edward’s University after a long career in Austin broadcast journalism. He and his wife, Nancy Quesada, began worshiping at Covenant in 2018 and joined the church earlier this year.

PRAYER Let us sing carols and Christmas anthems all year! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD, MY SOUL Psalm 33, 146; Amos 7:10–17; Revelation 1:9–16; Matthew 22:34–46 by donna thomas

T U E S D AY DECEMBER

The seasons of Advent and Lent are when my deepest thoughts and feelings go directly to praise and thanksgiving to our God Almighty for his goodness, love and mercy. My soul wants to slow down and be more in the moment of remembering, overwhelmed with God’s grace and in awe and wonder of it all.

Psalm 146 begins and ends with “Alleluia.” Psalm 33 begins with “Sing joyfully to the Lord.” Song! Joyous hymns of praise! Memory takes me back to each Christmas Eve, even as a small child, with the candlelit church and the beautiful, cherished Christmas hymns that tell of Jesus’ birth. Covenant’s season of Advent begins with our Hanging of the Green service during which scripture, hymns, liturgical dance and praise of God take me back to that emotional time of worship, bringing tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart. Some hymns flow effortlessly by memory to me. I have realized, however, that my focus is not always on the words we are singing. I can sing with gusto but am I paying attention? Some hymns read like the psalms—praising the Lord, singing of God’s truth and love, his faithfulness and righteousness, wisdom and immutability, sovereignty and holiness. They are inspired and they are inspiring. Be still. Listen. My challenge is to sing with meaning to honor our God, and also to absorb the words and deepen my love and worship of our awesome and wondrous Lord. Our hymnal is overflowing with God’s Word expressed in poetry, truth and beauty. In addition to our chosen hymns during worship, I plan on opening our hymnal frequently and asking the Holy Spirit to show me what that page says and means in my life. I hope for that ache when I can praise the Lord with all my soul. All the time. Will you join me?

Donna and her husband, Steve, joined Covenant in the late 1970s when they would come early to put out the folding chairs in Eaton Hall. Donna is privileged to serve as a greeter even though she says she unfortunately can’t remember names.

PRAYER Our Heavenly Father, We bow down to exalt your Holy Name. You are our sovereign Lord who created all that there is. You gave your only Son for our salvation and You bless and sustain us through your Word. Thank You, Lord, for all that we have. And thank You, Lord, for giving us the blessing of song. May we use it to your glory forever. Through your precious Son’s name. Amen. 21

LOVE OVER JUDGEMENT Psalm 50; 147:1–11; Amos 8:1–14; Revelation 1:17–2:7; Matthew 23:1–12 by jaeweon kim

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER

When I read the Bible, I find it easy to see what God rebukes and what people (mostly with power and wealth) are doing wrong, and I want to assume these words are aimed not at me but at others. Today’s reading is no exception. These passages are filled with God’s anger and warnings, especially to those who deceive and oppress the poor and the needy. These themes do not seem well-aligned with the joy, happiness and hope of the Advent season.

However, in Psalm 147, we see God’s love and promises more than warnings. “He gathers the outcasts, heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:2–3). Despite his warning of famine and the threat of “never again passing them by” in Amos, God sent Jesus to earth while the scribes and the Pharisees still did not follow God’s way and did evil to the people. Jesus demonstrates God’s love and forgiveness over judgement. Now I realize that I must painfully admit that these words are also for me. I hate the evil doers who abandoned the love of God as the church in Ephesus. I am exalting myself by rebuking the politicians, the greedy and the oppressors everywhere in the world, and I consider that I am not like those who are to be blamed. I cannot say that I accept this hard fact with all my heart yet, which tells me that I am the one who needs Jesus’ love and forgiveness. I am not sure how long it will take for me to accept it not just with my head but my heart. The good news is that I can hope in God’s steadfast love and not my stubbornness. May God open my ears so that I can listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church and to me.

Jaeweon’s family joined Covenant about four years ago and typically attends the 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service, where he regularly serves as an usher. Jaeweon is an electrical engineer, loves coffee and beer, and is interested in a little bit of almost everything.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, Although the world and our way of life is no better than when Jesus came to us, we hope in your steadfast love. Open our eyes and ears to see and to listen to your love and help us to follow your way in this Advent season. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

THE LORD IS REWARDING AND STEADFAST Psalm 18:1–20; 147:12–20; Amos 9:1–10; Revelation 2:8–17; Matthew 23:13–26 by emily ross

T H U R S D AY DECEMBER

This time of year we focus on the bright coming of Jesus. In all the excitement and preparation, it is easy to lose sight of the strength and armor God gave Mary and Joseph while they prepared for Jesus’ birth. These passages remind me so much of their success story.

Mary and Joseph would have silenced inner turmoils and outward antagonists. Just think of their iniquities! Miracle pregnancy out of wedlock, traveling by donkey at the height of Mary’s pregnancy, just to name a couple. But because they knew in their hearts they were protected and sheathed by God’s grace, glory and power, they bound together in strength to deliver Jesus. Like Mary and Joseph in preparation, we run laps preparing for Christmas. And while large holidays like Christmas are often exciting, they are also a time of stress, temptation and insecurity for many people. In times of anxiety, these passages are clear: the Lord is rewarding and steadfast. He protects like a shield—mentally and physically. He heals us and calls us each by name. He nourishes us. And through each passage, the writers’ truths are evident: Do not be afraid! Hold fast to the Lord! All we must do to receive these gifts is to honor Jesus’ word, be humble in our following and honest with our sins. It is easy to substitute religion for faith during the busyness that is Christmas time. When we feel anxious, may we remember these passages and the strength God promises us. This year, may we not only allow ourselves to rest in the joys of our favorite traditions, but also seek to know true faith in Jesus’ miraculous birth story. May we not simply sing our favorite carols, but visualize the stories depicted in each. May we not merely prepare and receive traditional gifts in his remembrance, but also feel in our hearts the impact of our Savior’s birth.

Emily and her husband, Brian, and their two young daughters, Lyla and Elise, and have been at Covenant for just over a year. Her favorite job is Mom! She’s also a residential realtor in central Austin. She loves to cook and travel. People are often surprised to learn that she is terrified of whales!

PRAYER Lord, So often we allow ourselves to be mixed up in the modern, Facebook–worthy version of Christmas. False idols decorate the landscape and we forget to reflect in the magnitude of your birth. Help us remember that because You became flesh, we are saved and unconditionally loved by You. Help us to find peace in your grace and embrace the gifts You gave us first. Amen. 23

ST. LUCIA DAY COOKIES by Kristin Schell

S E RV I N G S

18-24 cookies

RECIPE

sweets

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter, softened

2½ teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1 egg, separated

1 pinch salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup pecans, finely ground

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. 2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla. Continue to beat until well combined. 3. Add the flour, cinnamon and salt. Beat until combined. 4. Roll approximately a tablespoon of dough with the palm of your hands. 5. Press to flatten on a greased cookie sheet. 6. Brush each flattened cookie with egg white and sprinkle with pecans. 7. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, or until cookies begin to brown.

TIME

30 min

Tradition. Family. Food. All key ingredients this time of year as we celebrate the holidays. The word holiday means “holy day’”and means to set apart and make special. St. Lucia Day is a day set apart during Advent to honor the patron saint of light.

THE HISTORY OF ST. LUCIA DAY St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13. Lucia (pronounced Lu-chée-a in Italian and Lu-sée-a in Swedish) is the patron saint of light in Sweden and is celebrated throughout Europe. Born in Italy in the third century AD to a noble Greek family, Lucia was brought up a in a time of severe persecution for those of the Christian faith. Devastated by plans for an arranged marriage to a pagan man, Lucia renounced the wedding and chose to dedicate her life to God and give her share of the family fortune—her dowry—to the poor. Her behavior was viewed as so strange she was thought to be possessed with evil spirits. Lucia steadfastly clung to her faith and was martyred on December 13, 304. In Sweden, St. Lucia Day is one of the most cherished Advent celebrations. Early in the morning on December 13, the eldest daughter (with help from her mother, if she needs) portrays Lucia. Dressed in white with a crown of lighted candles on her head, she awakens the rest of the family with a tray of freshly baked bread, cookies, pastries, coffee and hot chocolate. As she serves the sweet treats, she reminds her family the reason we celebrate Christmas is the Light of the World, Jesus. 25

HOLDING ON Psalm 102; 148; Haggai 1:1–15; Revelation 2:18–29; Matthew 23:27–3 by breck mcbride

F R I D A Y DECEMBER

If you’re anything like me, you’re human. You are not God. We all know this. Yet, how quickly we lose sight of the difference.

I was 40 the first time I went zip lining. I was pretty uncertain of doing it, but I thought, “I work out;... I got this.” I stepped off and dropped into a complete free fall—not zipping, falling. I pulled as hard as I could on the handle above me, like this would stop my fall. Nothing happened. I kept plummeting. No matter how hard I pulled, I was crashing. Suddenly the slack caught, the line leveled, I zipped forward down the cable. I survived. We all have our ways of trying to control what happens. We create structure and rhythms. We invent strategies. The longer this goes on, the better we think we’re doing. We stay in touch with God. He’s a safety net. Our faith becomes more superstition. It’s worked this long, right? Then things break. We fall. Something snaps. We grip tighter. Rhythm is interrupted: jobs are lost, cancer spreads, depression wins, children hurt, burdens build. Faith pressed. God challenged. I’d never felt so human than when I was free-falling from that tower. Afterward, looking up at the line, I realized the fall was designed. The length of line and difference in heights created a free-fall before catching. The line was attached to me, never leaving, if I held on or not. I knew this before stepping off, yet as I fell, I lost all faith. In Haggai 1:7, the Lord speaking through Haggai, says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” Then in verses 12–13 “…the people feared the Lord.” Then: “‘I am with you,’ declares the Lord.” God is not a safety net, nor is He the line. God is God. We are his design. He is with us. What are you holding onto that the Lord can take? Where are you now: Solid ground? Holding it together? Falling?

Breck and his wife, Megan, and their three daughters, Caroline, Madeline and Ellie, have been attending Covenant for nearly five years. They worship at either 9:30 or 11:05, depending on their morning efficiency. Breck has three brothers whose names all begin with “Br.” You might mistake brother Brandon for Breck around the Covenant campus!

PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for the ways You continue to lift us up. Thank You for your love that allows us to fall time and again. We ask, Lord, that You open our hearts and stir our spirits that we may grow closer to You, Lord, not stagnant in our ways or stale in our faith. Amen.

JOY AND HOPE Psalm 90; 149; Haggai 2:1–9; Revelation 3:1–6; Matthew 24:1–14 by susie mccaleb

S AT U R D AY DECEMBER

Growing up, my favorite memory of Christmas was going to church on Christmas Eve with my family. We sang beautiful Christmas hymns and listened to familiar scriptures of Christ’s birth. The service ended with everyone singing “Silent Night,” holding a candle. As a child, this was a big deal to hold a lit candle and then blow it out as the sanctuary dimmed.

Psalm 149:1 says, “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.” All throughout the psalms we are reminded of how much God delights in our praise through singing. Hallelujah! We celebrate Advent season with joyful anticipation of the arrival of Christ on his first advent. It reminds us of our own cycle of life on earth through different stages of growth and commitment. Christ had many struggles and conflicts during His lifetime. Yet He was our supreme example of obedience accepting God’s will. May we put that same trust in God’s hands. “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17). We can also focus on the eternal hope we have of Christ’s return, and the promise that those who stand firm to the end will be saved. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations…” (Matthew 24:13–14). My hope for this coming advent season is to appreciate the daily blessings that I have and to use the gifts I have for furthering God’s kingdom.

Susie and her family have been members of Covenant for 46 years and have loved raising their family here. Now they enjoy seeing their daughters and families here! Retirement has been a joyful time full of travel, golf and new adventures in their church life.

PRAYER Thank You for loving and caring for us forever. May we never forget your steadfast love and faithfulness to each generation. Amen.

LESSONS AND CAROLS an interview with

MICHAEL SHUMAN

THE STORY BEHIND THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS We sat down with Covenant Director of Music Michael Shuman to learn more about the Service of Lessons and Carols. He also talked about how music helps us anticipate and celebrate Christmas.

COVENANT:

What is the story behind the Service of Lessons and Carols?

MICHAEL SHUMAN:

This service started in Britain in the latter part of the 1800’s. It’s a unique service in that it points to other things besides Christmas. Traditionally it begins in Genesis with the fall of humanity. It points us toward why we need Jesus to be born in the first place and then concludes with redemption. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the congregation to engage in singing and reading of scripture to hear the story in a fresh way.

COVENANT:

How does singing Christmas carols help us prepare for Christmas?

MICHAEL SHUMAN:

We all know them and we can sing them anywhere. They soften us a little bit and help us adjust to the season. They are also unifying. If you find yourself at any church during Advent, you’re likely to sing carols that are familiar. If you’re visiting someone on Christmas Eve, you’ll feel completely at ease because of the carols. Then there’s the theology. Most of us probably remember more about the events of Christmas morning from carols than from the gospels. Carols help us understand in very precise ways what happened on Christmas. The carols are instructive. We learn from them and we use them to teach our children.

Good carols also point us beyond the events of Christmas morning. The hymns that go beyond Christmas morning help us understand that Advent has happened, and point toward Christ’s return. I like those hymns best because rather than pointing us backward they point us forward to what is to come. “The First Noel” and “Once in Royal David’s City” are good carols to take us beyond the events of Christmas morning.

COVENANT:

What’s an obscure Christmas carol that everyone should know?

MICHAEL SHUMAN:

That’s a difficult question because everyone has different opinions about what is obscure. My attempt in planning in music for Christmas is to give a good variety from year to year. But I would say “As Lately We Watched.” It disappeared from hymnals after the 1950’s though choirs occasionally sing it. It’s a hymn that tells the shepherd story. It’s lighthearted and upbeat.

COVENANT:

What’s your favorite carol? Why?

MICHAEL SHUMAN:

My favorite hymn is Once in Royal David’s City.” It tells the whole story, tracing back to King David. It speaks of Christ’s vulnerability as a baby, hints toward the cross and points toward his reign with God. I think we should sing Christmas carols all year long.

SEEKING AND JOY Psalm 24; 150; Amos 9:11–15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3, 13–17; John 5:30–47 by gary pelphrey

S U N D AY DECEMBER

My granddaughter loves to play hide and seek. Few things make me happier than to play it with her. Even now, at age seven, she can’t contain her giggles when I am close to finding her. No matter our age, we all like to be sought after and valued.

In Psalm 24 we learn that God created us to seek him, “5 They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.” It is an astonishing reality that the God of the universe desires to have a personal relationship with each of us. Today’s passages challenge me to think about how often I seek God and what that looks like. I confess that I spend more time seeking the approval of others, personal comfort and entertainment than seeking God. Yes, I pray and worship and spend time with my small group—but too often I feel as though I am compartmentalizing God and not really seeking him in the ways in which I am called. Is there a connection between seeking God and joy? I’ve learned to appreciate that happiness is circumstantial and joy comes from a sense of purpose. What if I spent more time every day, and throughout the day, truly seeking God? I believe that doing so would both deepen my relationship with God and lead to a higher sense of purpose and more joy in my life. What would it look like for you to truly seek God? As Thomas has shared, it is not as simple as “think it and do it.” But, with a willing spirit, God can help us to develop better habits that deepen our relationship with Him and give our lives more purpose and joy.

Gary grew up in Ohio where he met the love of his life, Ruth. They raised their family in Nebraska before moving to Texas where Gary retired from a career in marketing. They joined Covenant two years ago and were blessed to participate in the cohort program.

PRAYER Heavenly Father and creator of the universe, I confess that I have not prioritized seeking You first. Please forgive me and guide me each day so that I may know You better and do your will. Amen.

THE COOLNESS OF THE BREEZE Psalm 122; 145; Zechariah 1:7–17; Revelation 3:7–13; Matthew 24:15–31 by ali bolsinger

MONDAY DECEMBER

Psalm 145 sings of God’s glory. It sings of praise and compassion. You know how on a cool day after a long hot summer, every person walking by is bundled up? They feel the coolness of the breeze. It is in those moments that all the people passing by are getting to experience what is like a beautiful song together. They are experiencing something good and beautiful.

This passage is like the cool wind whistling and weaving through the people, and it shares of who God is and will forever be. But even as beautiful as it sounds and may feel, the wind is inviting you to join in on that song. Because in the end, it is not the wind’s job to share of his graciousness to others; it is yours. It is calling you to harmonize with his goodness and grace. And I mean, How could you not? The Lord is most worthy of praise He is gracious and compassionate He is good to all He is trustworthy in all He promises He upholds all who fall He is righteous in all his ways He is near to all who call on Him He watches over all who love Him. No wonder the cool wind sings of his unending praise. But if the sky is dark around you, you may not feel the strength to sing. If you find yourself without a voice, remember that you can always start with a hum and let the singing come when it may.

Ali has been working at Covenant for about five months as the Director of Middle School Ministries. A little known fact about Ali is that she grew up on the beach for 18 years, and never once learned how to surf.

PRAYER Lord God, Help my mouth to sing of your praise. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever, Amen.

T U E S D AY DECEMBER

REFLECTIONS Psalm 33; 146; Zechariah 2:1–13; Revelation 3:14–22; Matthew 24:32–44 by ed seymour In the psalm

Revelation

We are encouraged

Suggests

To sing

Anyone answering the knock

Sharing spirit of this season

Of God, gets to work with Him

Judge favorably

Listen

The

And your heart

Poor

Will

As they are those

Experience spirit

Who

In Matthew

Find treasure

Fig trees

In small things

With tender shoot

We often overlook

Fresh leaves

Find ways

Predict

To feed

The coming

The hungry

And we get much more in return

Summer

From Zechariah We learn dimensions Of Jerusalem Are not its bounds

Ed is a computer chip designer and writes “Poems-on-the-Spot.” He became a Covenant member last spring.

PRAYER Let us consider Quiet reflection Extending our hands to help Needed time will miraculously appear Amen 33

A PEOPLE IN NEED Psalm 50; 147:1–11; Genesis 3:8–15; Revelation 12:1–10; John 3:16–21 by matt and jen harold

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER

John 3:16 is so ubiquitous in our culture that it is easy to skip reading it, relying on memory instead. For many of us, John 3:16 was our first memory verse. When I was growing up at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Tom Tewell was pastor and when he handed out third grade Bibles he asked us all to memorize John 3:16 AND 17. His point was that without 17, you couldn’t realize the full meaning of 16. God sent His Son because we are a people worthy of condemnation. We are a people in need of a Savior.

As we approach Christmas, I hope you will take the time to reflect on just how much we need Jesus. As Psalm 147:11 ends, take hope in God’s steadfast love, the kind of love that would motivate Him to send His only begotten Son to save us all.

Matt and Jen found their community at Covenant in 2008, making dear friends and volunteering in high school ministry. They moved to Houston in 2011; returning to Austin in 2017 with their kids John and Margaret. On weekends, the family hangs out at Taco Deli or cheers on the Longhorns and Astros!

PRAYER In You, Lord my God, I put my trust. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. Amen.

REMEMBER Psalm 18:1–20; 147:12–20; Zephaniah 3:14–20; Titus 1:1–16; Luke 1:1–25 by haden spencer

T H U R S D AY DECEMBER

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the ways that God provides and cares for us and are given beautiful examples of how to offer praise to our Heavenly Father. King David, Zephaniah and the psalmist of Psalm 147 claim the goodness of God and paint vivid images of the ways God has and will rescue us, restore us and reveal himself to us.

As you read and ponder the truth of God through the ages, can you recall times in your life when you have cried out and, as David writes, God “parted the heavens and came down?” I am certain I am not alone as I can remember many dark and troubling days and nights when the only action I could take was to fall on my knees and pray. Of course, God didn’t literally part the sky or send a lightning bolt. And of course, God didn’t use the same timeframe that I deemed appropriate. But God did hear me and God did provide. I find such comfort that King David and Zechariah know without a doubt that their prayers and voices were heard by the same God who hears my prayers and voice. After all, I am not a person of power like these great men, but our God hears me just the same. I am also struck by the beautiful truth of which King David and Elizabeth remind us; that God delights in us. Each one of us! Zephaniah also states that blessing to his audience, writing “He will take great delight in you.” Our Heavenly Father, who created mountains and oceans, finds delight in me and in you! As we reflect and wait patiently for the birth of Jesus, remember the ways that our God has heard us in the past and desires to hear from us today and in the future. Also remember that in a season full of glitter, twinkling lights and the excitement of finding a special gift for a loved one, each of us is a delight for our Heavenly Father and that is the most amazing gift of all.

After many years as a “regular visitor,” Haden has been a Covenant member for five years. She is active in Lamplighters Bible Study and loves serving on the Welcome Committee and greeting folks on Sunday mornings. Haden and her family enjoy spending time in the mountains of Crested Butte, Colo.

PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of reminders of who You are, how much You care for us and how much You love us. During this time of excitement and anticipation, help us remember the gift of your precious Son and His birth in the manger and help us remember that You find delight in each one of us. In your son’s name we pray. Amen. 35

PRAISE HIM Psalm 102; 148; 1 Samuel 2:1b–10; Titus 2:1–10; Luke 1:26–38 by christina allen

F R I D A Y DECEMBER

Psalm 148 instructs us to praise him. Praise him from the heavens and from the earth. Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, shining stars. Praise him, all creatures. Praise him, winds, snow, rain, and hail. Praise him, faithful servants. Praise the Lord.

Our three-year-old daughter, Caroline, sings herself to sleep most nights. She attends a Christian preschool, a weekly children’s Bible study and Sunday school so her sweet heart overflows with worship songs. Our son, Tommy, is two-years old so his praise and worship style is a little more like joyful yelling, although tender. Recently, I overheard Caroline singing this lullaby: “Praise him, Praise him, all you little children…and I forget the rest…but sometimes that is ok… because I will love the Lord with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind and all my strength. Yeehaw!” He was born Jesus of Nazareth but Caroline’s Jesus is just a little bit Texan. Her compound song and triumphant finale made us laugh but it was simple and true. Praise him and forget the rest. Praise him.

Christina and her family have been members at Covenant for three years. Her husband, Thomas, is in commercial real estate and she is a dyslexia specialist. Their children are fifth generation Austinites!

PRAYER We often come to prayer with a plea, request, desire or complaint. Jesus, today in prayer I ask that You place on our hearts what we can do for You. How can we help shepherd your flock? How can we praise You more often and in more ways? How can we better serve You? How can we love You with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength? Help us to praise You where we live, work and play. Amen. 36

THERE IS JOY IN GOD’S PLAN Psalm 90; 149; 2 Samuel 7:1–17; Titus 2:11–3:8a; Luke 1:39–48a (48b–56) by ethan burris

S AT U R D AY DECEMBER

A former student of mine came back to visit with me a few years after she graduated. She shared with me about her job, her hopes and what had been rewarding. Or, more specifically, what had been lacking in her job— unfulfilled hopes and what could have been rewarding. Until she found a mentor.

This mentor helped guide her not only to be a better employee, but also to see how the work she was doing fit within the larger purpose of the organization. As a result of her conversations with her mentor, she began to see her role differently. She began to interact with her colleagues differently. And, she embraced even the tedious, seemingly meaningless tasks with greater understanding of how it would help prepare her for greater challenges and how it would help the organization too. There was no way she could see how her work had a larger purpose without her mentor guiding her. There was no way she could see her path without knowing that her mentor had a plan for her. And there was no way she could experience joy in the day-to-day of her work without knowing how it contributed to something greater. In 2 Samuel 7:1–17, God finds ways to share his plans with Nathan and David. In the two psalms, Titus 2 and Luke 1, we see the joy of recognizing the plans that God has given us. While it may be hard to see the plan on our own, especially when we’re in the thick of life, it is also worthwhile to reflect on the past and recognize how God’s plan has unfolded for us. To prepare us for greater things to come.

Ethan Burris is a professor of management at the University of Texas at Austin. He has been a member of Covenant for six years with his wife, Cherrylynn, and two daughters.

PRAYER Dear God, We thank You for the plans You have for us and the joy in recognizing them as they unfold. Amen.

GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES Psalm 24; 150; 2 Samuel 7:18–29; Galatians 3:1–14; Luke 1:57–66 by marty swanger

S U N D AY DECEMBER

In the Old Testament, we see time and again that God gave assurances to his people that He was in control and He would provide for and bless them. What happened? Most typically the people doubted him and failed to rely on those promises. David extols the virtues of God in Psalms, claiming that the earth belongs to the Lord, the world belongs to the Lord and all the people belong to the Lord, which should result in praising him in worship and in all aspects of our lives.

But then, in 2 Samuel, the Lord has Nathan deliver a message to David, telling him essentially “I have made you ruler over my people of Israel, and now I will make you and your family powerful and respected. I will protect you and you will live in peace.” Did David respond to this message with praise and thanksgiving? Did he believe God’s message to him? He seems at first to say “Who me? Why would you do this for me and my family?” But David quickly comes to accept God’s promises regarding his family: “Lord and King, you are God! Your words can be trusted. You have promised many good things to me.” We see this same pattern repeating itself in the pending birth of John the Baptist. His father, Zechariah, can’t quite believe the angel Gabriel when he told him that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son at her old age. But being struck mute for several months (as Gabriel told him he would be because of his unbelief) convinced him that this baby was in fact the child God promised them. I’m grateful that God has not seen fit to make me suddenly unable to talk to prove his point. But, do I trust in and rely upon the myriad promises God has made to me as shown in scripture? My batting average is less than impressive. In this season of Advent, let’s all continue to focus on the celebration that God fulfilled his most important promise to us by sending Jesus for our redemption—“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

Marty and her family have been Covenant members since the early 1990s. She considers herself a “reformed” attorney, having left her practice when her boys were in elementary school. She and her husband, now empty nesters, focus their attention on volunteer opportunities.

PRAYER Gracious Father, We praise You that we are able to see that You do in fact hold the whole world in your hands, and that You faithfully live up to your promises. Forgive us our disbelief in your eternal goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for sending us your Son! Amen.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

BUBBLE BREAD by Kristin Schell

S E RV I N G S

8-10

RECIPE

breads

INGREDIENTS

BAKE TIME

30 min

INGREDIENTS: 1 (25 oz) package of frozen Parkerhouse-style dinner rolls, slightly thawed 1 (4 oz) package of butterscotch pudding, not instant

1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

DIRECTIONS: 1. Lightly grease a bundt pan. 2. Cut the rolls in half and arrange in the bundt pan. 3. In a small sauce pan heat the butter, sugars and pecans until melted and well combined. 4. Sprinkle the pudding mixture evenly over the rolls. 5. Pour the melted butter, sugars and pecans over the rolls. 6. Lightly spray a large sheet of foil with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the bundt pan with the greased foil. Let the rolls stand at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or overnight. 7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. When cool, carefully invert the bubble bread onto a serving platter. 40

God must delight when we uncover meaning in his great narrative for the world. Especially, when we notice that He has taken care of every detail, big and small. Like, the name of Jesus’ birthplace. It’s a small but meaningful gift of words. Bethlehem means “house of bread” in Hebrew. Jesus, the Bread of Life, was born in the House of Bread. In our house it wouldn’t be Christmas morning without Bubble Bread. I make this bread just before heading to bed in great anticipation of Santa’s arrival late Christmas Eve. I’m always exhausted, but this simple breakfast dish has become a tradition I wouldn’t miss for the world. Bubble Bread only takes a few minutes to prepare, then you leave it on the counter overnight. On Christmas morning, I pop the bundt pan in the oven as the feet of happy children skip stairs towards the tree. By the time our stockings are open, the Bubble Bread is ready for a sweet nibble. As the season of Advent inches closer to Christmastime, this precious time of waiting and wondering, at once looking back and hoping forward, never ceases to astonish. In the stillness of the anticipation, I reflect on the truth that the hopes and fears of all the years were met when the Bread of Life was born to us in the little town of Bethlehem.

GOD’S PROMISE, OUR RESPONSE Psalm 122; 145; Jeremiah 31:10–14; Galatians 3:15–22; Luke 1:67–80 by stephen murray

MONDAY DECEMBER

As a child I didn’t appreciate how much preparation my parents did to make Christmas special. It took time and energy. There was a tree to decorate, cookies to bake, gifts to wrap. There were travel plans to make. There were extra church activities. And there were extra expenses. My mother participated in the layaway plan at a local store. She put a few dollars into the plan each week in order to bless us with gifts. I took all of this for granted. I didn’t appreciate the planning it took to make Christmas special—and it was all done with my sisters and me in mind.

In today’s reading from Galatians, we discover that Christmas didn’t start with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. God had a plan to bring salvation to us. God knew that because of our sin and brokenness, we would need a Savior. So God made a promise to Abraham that through his offspring would come a person to redeem us. This person is Christ. God made a plan to bring a Redeemer into the world “so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” This promise was fulfilled in the manger of Bethlehem. The other Scripture readings reveal what our response is: praise and thanks! Psalm 145 urges us to extol God forever and ever. God is a great God of mercy and steadfast love, so we offer thanks. The Lord is trustworthy, so we praise God’s holy name. Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord has turned our mourning into joy, our sorrow into gladness. In the Luke reading, Zechariah says that Jesus’ birth means God kept the promise he made to Abraham. This Jesus is a mighty Savior! In him we have forgiveness of sins. In Him, by the tender mercy of God, a new life has broken upon us. Our response: “Praise the Lord!” It took the love of my parents to get us ready for Christmas. And even more so, we see the love of God revealed at Jesus’ birth. Take extra time today to extol the living God for giving you Jesus. Psalm 122 says that we’re glad to go to the house of the Lord. Take extra time this Christmas to gather with your fellow Covenant worshipers in giving praise to the promised Savior!

In 2018, Stephen completed 40 years of ministry as a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor. He and his wife, Diane, moved to Austin from California and are glad to be part of the Covenant church family.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, How can I ever repay You for the gift of your Son, Jesus the Christ? The good news is I can’t repay, and You don’t ask for that. What I can do, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is trust in your Son, and praise You for your steadfast love and mercy. I love You, I thank You, I extol your holy name! Amen. 42

IMMANUEL Psalm 33; 146; Isaiah 60:1–6; Galatians 3:23–4:7; Matthew 1:18–25 by scott moore

T U E S D AY DECEMBER

O Holy Night, when Advent yields to Christmas! A night to ponder and marvel at Christmas miracles (you can tell our kids are grown), the Incarnation and Immanuel among them. Who can absorb it all? Take the Incarnation: Jesus was fully human and fully divine. At the same time.

I don’t know about you, but the Incarnation both fascinates and challenges me. How did it work out day to day? I am comforted that the early church also struggled for hundreds of years to settle the Incarnation’s place in church doctrine. The Bible gives us pieces of this miracle. Isaiah says lots about the Messiah, the psalms promise the Lord will save, and Matthew and Paul tell us God sent his Son through Mary, but how did this fully God, fully human union really function? Did Mary and Joseph see God lying in a manger or did they, like most first-time parents, see only The Most Beautiful Baby ever born? How did God incarnate behave as a toddler? Jesus returned to his father’s temple when he was twelve, but as an awkward middle schooler? Was he a respectful teenager (his first miracle?)? Thankfully, I don’t have to fully grasp the mystery of the Incarnation to appreciate the awe behind it. It happened, and the world changed. Christmas Eve also promises the birth of Jesus as Immanuel, God is with us. Forever. This I can understand. God came and God is with us, indeed. Could we ask for any greater gift? Christmas Eve is wonderfully rich in promise, including the promise of Immanuel, God among us, forever. This I get; this I believe; this is why I love and celebrate Christmas Eve. God is moving into the neighborhood and He is staying.

Scott has been a member of Covenant since the mid-1980s and is married to Mary Moore. They have four children, Brandy, Tara, Gordon and Meredith, all of whom are members of Covenant. Lifetime Covenant achievement: helped George Cladis hire Mary Helen Mitchell!

PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for coming to dwell among us. We pray to be aware always of your comforting presence. Fill us with your peace till it overflows and touches all we encounter. In your Son’s name we pray, Amen.

CH R I S T M AS ON In the face of seasoned waves of evil that we would sing that old noel, that we would hang lights on branches, that we would give gifts to others even if that gift is only ourselves â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

this, this is a defiance seemingly impotent against the principalities and powers who

daily conspire to convince us that we are alone and love is a lie. But do not be deceived for the demons themselves tremble at such quaintness. Sisters and brothers, Christmas on. JOHN BLASE poet and author

GRACE JUST ARRIVES Psalm 2; 147:1-11; Micah 4:1-5; 5:2-4; 1 John 4:7-16; John 3:31-36 by jon wasson

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER

I know I know: There are presents to open, so I’ll be brief.

It’s finally here. It’s Christmas morning. Whether we found the right gift, perfected our cinnamon rolls or beef tenderloin, or made peace with the in-laws, Christmas is here. It didn’t wait for us. The good news is that God doesn’t wait for us either. John reminds us that God sent his son not because we were worthy—not because we loved God—but because God loved us. As Travis put it in his poem, grace will have its way. Grace just arrives—whether we’re prepared for it or not. I hope this devotional has provided an occasion to reflect on the ways grace has arrived in your life during this Advent season. Merry Christmas!

Jon was ordained at Covenant in November of 2015. He and his wife, Abby, have two boys, Thomas (5) and Eliot (2), that keep them on their toes.

PRAYER Holy God, Be gracious to us as we celebrate the good news of your love for us today. Fill us with beloved memories of those who are not with us today and give us a generous spirit as we interact with our loved ones around the Christmas tree and dining table. In Christ’s name, who was born for us this day, and for his sake, we pray, Amen. 46

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP TIMES 2:00 p.m.

SANCTUARY

4:00 p.m.

SANCTUARY

5:00 p.m.

FE 200

8:30 p.m.

SANCTUARY

10:30 p.m.

SANCTUARY

Traditional service with candles

Children and family service Contemporary service with candles (no communion)

Traditional service with choir and candles

Traditional service with candles, communion and string quartet

ADVENT EVENTS Sun, Dec. 1

Wed, Dec. 4

Hanging of the Green Advent Family Night and Carol Sing Enjoy many activities including cookies and cocoa on the patio, ornament making, our carol sing, the Bethlehem marketplace, a prayer labyrinth and more. covenant.org/adventfamilynight

Sat, Dec. 7

Silent Advent Retreat

Sun, Dec 8

GraceNotes Concert, Sanctuary

Sun, Dec 15

Lessons and Carols, All Services

Sat, Dec 21

Journey Youth Caroling

covenant.org

Unplug using the ancient spiritual practice of solitude this Advent. covenant.org/silentretreat

The students will sing carols at Texas Reach Out Ministries homes.

3003 Northland Drive

Austin, TX 78757

512.454.5231