Part of a series of occasional reflections over the weeks of Advent initially created with the hope of encouraging the reader to embrace keeping the season of Advent. Advent resources have continued to grow on the Emerging Scholars Network blog over the course of the past several years. Charlie Clauss' tireless labors through the Keeping Advent Facebook Group have been a blessing to many individuals and families seeking after the Lord during this busy time of year. ~ Tom Grosh IV, Associate Director, Emerging Scholars … [Read more...] about Why Bother with Advent?
advent devotions
Advent Table Topic: The Greatest Christmas Gift of All
Before our family entered Christmas gatherings with extended family, I reminded myself of various sections from On the Incarnation,* by Saint Athanasius (c. 297 – 373). Here is a passage regarding "the greatest Christmas gift of all" which came to the forefront for me as I sought to articulate the meaning of Christmas, place earthly gifts in perspective, and remind myself of my call/vocation "To see students & faculty transformed. Campuses renewed. World Changers Developed." . ... What was God to do … [Read more...] about Advent Table Topic: The Greatest Christmas Gift of All
Advent Table Topic: Christmas Eve Day
Yesterday I posted a quote from On the Incarnation,* by Saint Athanasius (c. 297 – 373). Below's another quote from a translation by Sister Penelope Lawson, of the Anglican Community of St. Mary the Virgin in Wantage, England. I bring attention to Lawson's translation, due to it being one for which C.S. Lewis wrote a glowing Introduction, i.e., "a good translation of a very great book."** As we enter Christmas Eve worship, let us remember these words from Athanasius: . ...it was our sorry case that caused the … [Read more...] about Advent Table Topic: Christmas Eve Day
Advent Table Topic: On the Incarnation
On the Incarnation, by Saint Athanasius (c. 297 – 373), begins: In our former book [i.e. the Contra Gentes (Against the Heathens)], we dealt fully enough with a few of the chief points about the heathen worship of idols, and how those false fears originally arose. We also, by God's grace, briefly indicated that the Word of the Father is Himself divine, that all things that are owe their being to His will and power, and that it is through Him that the Father gives order to creation, by Him that all things are moved, … [Read more...] about Advent Table Topic: On the Incarnation
Advent Table Topic: Humility
On Tuesday, an Assistant Professor of Family & Community spoke to the Christian Medical Society/CMDA at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine on "Christ-centered Humility in Medicine." His presentation drove home the importance of discussing and embracing humility in the context of health care. Why? When we (and those with whom we are close) receive care in the medical context, we are reminded of/confronted by our limitations and reliance upon "Jesus the Great Physician, Healer, and Teacher." In addition, … [Read more...] about Advent Table Topic: Humility