Advent Devotional

Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13

This psalm begins with a grateful memory of a time when God was good to Jacob and all of God’s people. There are a few verses (not specifically highlighted for today’s reading, but hard to ignore) that express longing for that holy goodness. Then, beginning with the eighth verse, there is a veritable A-list roll call of all of God’s promises coming to God’s people. In fact, the subsequent verses read like a commentator giving the play-by-play at a gala event. Just listen to this:

Love and faithfulness meet together;

righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven.

It’s so exciting – I wish I were there with that esteemed crowd – but wait! – I am! This happy scene, full of peace, salvation, glory, love, faithfulness, righteousness, and more peace, faithfulness, and righteousness is right here, right in the land that is called God’s at the start of the psalm and ours at the end – one and the same. I am in the midst of this fabulous gathering, and so are you – thanks be to God!

PRAYER: God of Love: In this season of gifts, thank you for your gifts that surround us, support us, and make us whole. Indeed, you give us what is good, now and always. Amen.

Ellen Gadberry