Savior of the Nations, Come: November 29, 2021

Savior of the Nations, Come: The Advent 2021 Devotional Book for St. Paul's Episcopal Church

“My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.” -2 Samuel 22:3 (NRSV)

The wind is blowing hard as I write this. The leaves on the tree have turned brown and yellow; they’re struggling to hang on, but it’s hopeless. They may cling yet a little longer, but if the gusts don’t rip them off today, gravity will take care of them soon enough. Nature is in no hurry, and as it turns out, neither am I. During the early stages of the pandemic, I hunkered down, intending to ride out the storm. I washed my hands, kept my distance, wore my masks dutifully and properly whether they were mandated or not. I took my shots when they became available. I did it all without fear or loathing, because I know I am in the hands of God. God is my Rock. God is my Stronghold. I hear the bugler sounding the Assembly to gather. All in all, I don’t believe God rescues me from the external violence of a world gone mad, but from the internal violence of a soul that wants to hang on, when God has called that soul to let go. Let the leaf fall, for, in the end, it is returning home. I am on the homeward leg of my own Journey, my Advent adventure.

Gracious God, our time is in your hands, as are we. You hold on tight to us so that we don’t need to hang tight to things that pass away. Thank you so much for being with us always, as life with you is truly eternal. Amen.
– Fr. Keith Axberg