O Come!: Reflections, Questions, and Prayers for the Days of Advent

By Robert Boak Slocum

This devotional book provides a daily reflection, questions for consideration, and a prayer for each of the twenty-eight days in the church season of Advent. It is intended for integration into a daily practice of preparation and reflection during Advent. Readers are encouraged to relate the seasonal themes of expectancy, renewal, and preparation into their daily lives. Images and descriptions are drawn from Scripture and daily life to address the reader directly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Mar 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385214464

Robert Boak Slocum

Robert Boak Slocum is the author, editor, or co-editor of fourteen books, including Fearful Times; Living Faith (ed. with Martyn Percy); The Anglican Imagination; Light in a Burning-Glass: A Systematic Presentation of Austin Farrer's Theology; Seeing & Believing: Reflections for Faith; A Heart for the Future: Writings on the Christian Hope (ed.); and The Theology of William Porcher DuBose: Life, Movement, and Being. He taught theology courses at Marquette University on Christ and culture, explorations in Christian theology, and quests for God. He later served at St. Catharine College in Kentucky as Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and taught courses in religious studies and applied ethics. He was the President of the Society of Anglican and Lutheran Theologians, and Co-Convenor of the Society for the Study of Anglicanism. He served on the board of the Anglican Theological Review. He was the clergy in charge of congregations in the dioceses of Louisiana, Milwaukee, and Lexington. He was ecumenical officer of the Diocese of Lexington. He currently serves as the Narrative Medicine Program Coordinator at University of Kentucky HealthCare, where he teaches an elective rotation for senior medical students on the narrative basis for patient care and resilient practice. He serves on the Hospital Ethics Committee. He lives in Danville, Kentucky, with his wife, Victoria. He has three grown children, Claire, Rebecca, and Jacob.

Book preview

Advent 1 Sunday

the day of the Lord will come like a thief (

2

Pet

3

:

10

)

Surprise! God shows up, God with us, even when it seems impossible. But sometimes you need to have your eyes open to see what’s happening. Wake up! Open up! We may discover God active in our lives from the beginning and inviting us always closer. Suddenly we may recognize God with us, closer to us than we are to ourselves.

?

How is God active in your life? How does God show up for you? Are you ready for surprise in this Advent?

+

Surprise me today, Lord. Help me find you today. Awaken hope. Show me new life.

Advent 1 Monday

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. Awake my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. (Ps

108

:

1–2

)

Wake up! Jesus comes to us and invites our best response. Eyes open. Fully alive. Hearts open. Don’t miss this. Don’t sleep through it. Sing your best song. Don’t be shy. It’s a new day, a new morning. Wake up!

?

Where do you see God today? How do you respond? What will you give back? What will you create? How can you share what you have received?

+

Come to me now, Lord. I welcome you. I welcome this new day. I welcome all you offer.

Advent 1 Tuesday

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you. (Ps

5

:

3

)(BCP)

First light comes before dawn, the first hint of light in the dark night sky. Advent comes to us as the very beginning of Jesus’ approach, the first light to dispel the darkness. Dawn is wonderful to see. The darkness may