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 18, 2018

Scripture

Psalm 146

1  Praise the LORD!
   Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
        I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
        in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
        on that very day their plans perish.

5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
        whose hope is in the LORD their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
        the sea, and all that is in them;
   who keeps faith forever;
7      who executes justice for the oppressed;
        who gives food to the hungry.

   The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8      the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
   The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
        the LORD loves the righteous.
9  The LORD watches over the strangers;
        he upholds the orphan and the widow,
        but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever,
        your God, O Zion, for all generations.
   Praise the LORD!

Devotional

Cecile Springer, Metro-Urban Institute Advisory Council / Founder and President, Springer Associates, Pittsburgh, Pa.

This advent comes in the midst of division around us. We go forth in pursuit of joy and gladness as we

await the coming holy season. Glad tidings surround our thoughts, for we forecast Christ’s coming in glory. Thanks be to the Lord for lifting us up daily. By rejoicing loudly, we fill our souls with gladness as we pray for peace and happiness in the knowledge that Jesus’ love conquers us all for God.

Prayer

Lord, let me be patient,
Let me listen intently;
Let me not judge, 
But rather extend my love to others.

Lord, let me be wise,
Keep me faithful forever.
Lord, keep me from foolishness, 
Open to love you forever.

Advent Devotional December 18, 2018

Scripture

Psalm 146

1  Praise the LORD!
   Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
        I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
        in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
        on that very day their plans perish.

5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
        whose hope is in the LORD their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
        the sea, and all that is in them;
   who keeps faith forever;
7      who executes justice for the oppressed;
        who gives food to the hungry.

   The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8      the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
   The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
        the LORD loves the righteous.
9  The LORD watches over the strangers;
        he upholds the orphan and the widow,
        but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever,
        your God, O Zion, for all generations.
   Praise the LORD!

Devotional

Cecile Springer, Metro-Urban Institute Advisory Council / Founder and President, Springer Associates, Pittsburgh, Pa.

This advent comes in the midst of division around us. We go forth in pursuit of joy and gladness as we

await the coming holy season. Glad tidings surround our thoughts, for we forecast Christ’s coming in glory. Thanks be to the Lord for lifting us up daily. By rejoicing loudly, we fill our souls with gladness as we pray for peace and happiness in the knowledge that Jesus’ love conquers us all for God.

Prayer

Lord, let me be patient,
Let me listen intently;
Let me not judge, 
But rather extend my love to others.

Lord, let me be wise,
Keep me faithful forever.
Lord, keep me from foolishness, 
Open to love you forever.

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!