Counting the Days: Advent Reflections from the Methodist University Community

Welcome to the season of Advent. This sacred stretch of four weeks in the Christian tradition invites us to slow down, listen closely, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Light who enters our darkness with hope, peace, joy, and love. Scripture paints this season with the words, “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Mark 3:3) As a university related to The United Methodist Church, our community embraces this season as part of our heritage and rhythm of spiritual life.

Advent is both ancient and beautifully current: a time of watching and waiting, of lighting candles against winter’s long nights, and of daring to believe that God still speaks. This year’s devotional reflects that truth through many voices. In each day’s entry you will encounter voices of Scripture laying a firm foundation, voices of Tradition echoing through centuries of Christian wisdom, voices of Reason offering thoughtful interpretation, and voices of Experience, shared through the lives, stories, and faith journeys of our own campus community, students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Together, these voices and images remind us that God continues to speak in ways both familiar and surprising.

It is my prayer that through these reflections you will feel the warmth of God’s love, listen for God’s voice, and let your own voice join the chorus of hope this Advent season.

Advent blessings,

Rev. Dr. Kelli W Taylor
University Chaplain and Dean of Religious & Spiritual Life
Methodist University