Advent Devotional by Julie Williams

Psalm 125

A song of ascents.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.

But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

(Psalm 125:1-5)

December is tricky. We’re supposed to feel anticipation, but many Christians are bracing for impact. My dad left this world on the evening of December 18, 2009, dampening my “merry and bright;” and leaving me feeling like the doormat to all the rush and hustle and bustle of the season. My world was shaken. My Christmas lens had forever changed.

Psalm 125:1-2 reminds us that the mountains, which are massive, timeless, and protective, are like God’s gentle and comforting arms that surround and protect us. This truth cannot be shaken. While I will forever long for another hug and game of backgammon, I will also trust that God’s strong and steady arms will surround me always.

I find it fascinating how the mountains of life change our perspective and mold us into a wiser version of ourselves. Even my eight-year-old, Evelyn, declared that she doesn’t need a lot of little toys this year—she just wants all of our family to be together! I picture her pajama-covered arms reaching around our little family in front of the tree as God’s arms gently cradle our whole world.

This year, instead of bracing for impact, may we choose to lean into the future and find hope through the laughter and innocence of children, the warmth of our gatherings, and the comforting presence of the Lord.

Julie Williams