Advent Devotional

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About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!

Advent Devotional December 13, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 16

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; 
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, 
in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; 
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out 
or take their names upon my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; 
you hold my lot. 
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; 
I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; 
in the night also my heart instructs me. 
8 I keep the LORD always before me; 
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; 
my body also rests secure. 
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, 
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life. 
In your presence there is fullness of joy; 
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Devotional

The Rev. Betty Voigt ’85

The writer of Psalm 16 reminds us of God’s desire and longing for creation: a path of life that leads to fullness of joy. Let us choose this desire for ourselves and our world.

Turn off your electronic devices for a while. Fast from the continual doomsday, fear-mongering news. This is Advent. Seek the Holy. Hold a baby or the hand of a dying one. Spend time giving thanks for everything! Turn on some beautiful music and let it fill your soul. Offer a small gesture of kindness and support to a stranger. Open your heart to receive the ordinary goodness around you. Be silent. Go within. Touch into the deeper truths that we call God, right here and now. Breathe in this incredible Mystery in us, with us, and all around us.

Prayer

O Beloved One, “my chosen portion and my cup,” I often wander away from the true path of life you hold before me. My thoughts, heart, and actions get captured by inane distractions and fear. I run away from your presence. Keep wooing me back to yourself, and hold me in your heart of Love.

Advent Devotional December 13, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 16

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; 
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, 
in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; 
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out 
or take their names upon my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; 
you hold my lot. 
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; 
I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; 
in the night also my heart instructs me. 
8 I keep the LORD always before me; 
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; 
my body also rests secure. 
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, 
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life. 
In your presence there is fullness of joy; 
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Devotional

The Rev. Betty Voigt ’85

The writer of Psalm 16 reminds us of God’s desire and longing for creation: a path of life that leads to fullness of joy. Let us choose this desire for ourselves and our world.

Turn off your electronic devices for a while. Fast from the continual doomsday, fear-mongering news. This is Advent. Seek the Holy. Hold a baby or the hand of a dying one. Spend time giving thanks for everything! Turn on some beautiful music and let it fill your soul. Offer a small gesture of kindness and support to a stranger. Open your heart to receive the ordinary goodness around you. Be silent. Go within. Touch into the deeper truths that we call God, right here and now. Breathe in this incredible Mystery in us, with us, and all around us.

Prayer

O Beloved One, “my chosen portion and my cup,” I often wander away from the true path of life you hold before me. My thoughts, heart, and actions get captured by inane distractions and fear. I run away from your presence. Keep wooing me back to yourself, and hold me in your heart of Love.

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!