Phillips Theological Seminary is once again providing this Advent Devotional for you and congregations. We continue to be blessed by the response to the booklet and the way that it is used. Many have shared that you use the booklet to assist with sermon preparation, in church small groups and Sunday school classes, as a daily congregation-wide devotion, and for personal and family devotion time.

We have organized the 2024 Advent Devotional a bit differently. Instead of a different writer every day, we have asked four writers to write on the theme for each week of Advent. We are so grateful for staff, scholars, and alumni that are willing to contribute to this devotional.

The writers are:

Week One, HOPE: Kurt Gwartney, Senior Director of Communications and Alum (‘99)

Week Two, PEACE: Rev. Dr. Lisa W. Davison, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, Johnny Eargle Cadieux Professor of Hebrew Bible

Week Three, JOY: Rev. Dr. Andrea Clark Chambers, Pastor at Restoration Community Church and Alumni Board Member (‘10/’21)

Week Four, LOVE: Rev. Dr. Warren Carter, LaDonna Kramer Meinders Professor of New Testament.

The devotional is an important part of our goal to support and educate the whole church. We value your contribution to the life of the seminary and consider you a part of the Phillips community.

We have hope in the unchanging, sacrificial love of God, love of each other, our congregations and the love that fosters equality and justice in the world through the birth of Jesus. We hope that as you read this booklet you are inspired to deepen your faith and your hope is renewed.

We are grateful that you choose to join us in reflection and thoughtfulness by reading the Advent Devotional.

In Gratitude,