Advent Devotional December 2, 2025

Scripture

2 Peter 1:12–21

12 Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body] to refresh your memory, 14 since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Devotion

Dr. Joanne Spence ’18/’24

There’s something deeply kind about Peter’s words here. He knows his time is short, and still he offers a reminder—not because his listeners haven’t heard it before, but because we all need help remembering what’s true. Especially when life is heavy or uncertain.

That feels like Advent to me. A season not just of waiting, but of remembering. Of returning to what we already know deep down, even if we’ve forgotten or drifted away. Peter is saying, “You’re going to need this light. Keep it close.”

He reminds us this isn’t a cleverly made-up story—it’s lived experience. He was there when Jesus was transfigured. He heard the voice from heaven. He saw the glory. And still, even for Peter, the memory had to be tended and passed on. Spiritual truth can fade if we don’t return to it.

This line moves me: “Be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” Yes. Advent invites us to hold our little lamps with care—Scripture, prayer, breath, the quiet trust that light is coming. That light has already come.

I read this passage and remember how the Holy Spirit still moves—in and through us. Not by force or performance, but like a gentle nudge, a whisper through the trees. We don’t have to generate wisdom from scratch. We simply have to make space.

So this Advent, let’s pause. Let’s breathe. Let’s remember together that Christ has come, Christ is coming, and Christ is already here—lighting our hearts like the morning star.

Prayer

Light of the World,
in the hush of this season,
help us to remember what is true.
When shadows lengthen,
teach us to tend the flame.
Kindle our hope,
steady our hearts,
and let Your light
rise again in us—
quiet, radiant, and real.
Amen.

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