It’s again the time of the year that Goshen College offers an online resource to help believers make time and space in their hearts and minds to reflect during the season of Advent.
Beginning Nov. 27, the week before the first Sunday of Advent, and culminating on Christmas Day, Goshen College students, faculty and staff will provide weekday reflections based on the lectionary Scripture passages, available online at www.goshen.edu/devotions, or by subscribing to the daily email. Many writers will reflect on the theme: “Yes! Let it be!” taken from Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada worship resources.
- Subscribe to receive the daily e-mail
- Read them online
When we think of the Advent season, preparing for Christ’s coming, we find people in the Gospels who are waiting; whether Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, the magi who are actively and persistently searching, or Anna and Simeon who are patiently dreaming, hoping, and waiting their whole life. Nobody went home on the same road from the birth of Jesus, not the magi, not Zechariah and Elizabeth, not Mary and Joseph, not the shepherds, not Anna and Simeon, and neither should we. All were guided in their journey to the light of Christ by angels, dreams, the Hebrew Scriptures, or a star. The Isaiah Scriptures invite us to join this group of people to explore our vulnerability in waiting, our openness to receiving the words of God, and our courage to respond like Mary, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Advent is a season with much preparation for the coming of Christ. One event follows the other, and between decorating, baking, shopping and gathering, we hardly find space to wait for the One who came, is always coming, and will come again.
The devotions will reflect honestly on the Scriptures and offer words of assurances of faith. The spiritual offerings will include poetry, personal stories, reflections and prayers, all intended to more closely examine the call to change and follow Christ.
Since 2001, Goshen College annually celebrates special seasons of the church calendar, particularly Advent and Lent, with online devotions.