First Sunday of Advent - Devotion

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
— Psalms 122:1

Psalm 122 comes with the superscription "A Song of Ascents." This is likely in reference to pilgrims ascending up the hill to the sanctuary in Jerusalem. The psalm would have been sung on the pilgrimage to the holy city and then the climb up the hill. Despite the possibility of a difficult journey, the psalmist is glad that they are going on the journey with other pilgrims.

As we begin Advent and await the coming of the Christ child, how are you feeling? You might identify with the psalmist, glad to be on this journey to Christmas. Or perhaps you are excited, but also stressed about hosting the perfect family Christmas gathering. Maybe illness or health concerns are on your mind. Or there’s a loss that weighs heavily upon you.

Each of our lives takes us on intersecting, but differing, courses and not everyone is at the same place on their pilgrimage. So if you are not feeling glad, remember that “[t]he Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18). Take solace in the comfort that God offers.

Wherever you are emotionally on this first Sunday in Advent, know that you are welcome on this journey. We are not expected to be happy at all times, ignore difficult situations, or to pretend that everything in our lives is perfect. God welcomes us however we come.

As we begin this Advent season, and calendar, let us journey together for a while. Through the sharing of reflections, stories, and other writings, we can help one another on our way to the house of the Lord.