Deborah Smith, Senior M.Div. Student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.

Devotional

Advent is a unique time of transformation. We bring out special family recipes, get creative with appetizers, and try so many different kinds of cookies. The air is filled with cinnamon and pine. We hear songs about shepherds, angels, and joy as well as Frosty and Grandma’s unfortunate reindeer mishap. We bring trees inside and take lights outside. We don special clothes—some sparkly, others whimsical. We watch Rudolph, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol. We spend time with people we haven’t seen in a while. During Advent, there is a transformation in what we see, smell, hear, eat, and do as we prepare to welcome Emmanuel. ‘God with us’ brings about an extraordinary transformation that lasts beyond the season. Here on this first day of Advent, let us lift up our heads and open wide the gates of our hearts that the King of Glory may come in.

Prayer

King of Glory, come abide in our hearts and continuously transform us. Give us pure hearts to love you fully and clean hands to serve our neighbors with love. In the precious name of Emmanuel, Amen.

Deborah Smith, Senior M.Div. Student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.

Devotional

Advent is a unique time of transformation. We bring out special family recipes, get creative with appetizers, and try so many different kinds of cookies. The air is filled with cinnamon and pine. We hear songs about shepherds, angels, and joy as well as Frosty and Grandma’s unfortunate reindeer mishap. We bring trees inside and take lights outside. We don special clothes—some sparkly, others whimsical. We watch Rudolph, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol. We spend time with people we haven’t seen in a while. During Advent, there is a transformation in what we see, smell, hear, eat, and do as we prepare to welcome Emmanuel. ‘God with us’ brings about an extraordinary transformation that lasts beyond the season. Here on this first day of Advent, let us lift up our heads and open wide the gates of our hearts that the King of Glory may come in.

Prayer

King of Glory, come abide in our hearts and continuously transform us. Give us pure hearts to love you fully and clean hands to serve our neighbors with love. In the precious name of Emmanuel, Amen.