Every Advent, we invoke and long for the presence of God among us. Such hymns as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or “Joy to the World” express our hope that the love of God and the God of love would infiltrate every part of the world, every corner of our communities, every person in our network of families, friends, and neighbors. We desire for God to come to us. With 2023 nearly finished, our fervent prayers for God’s love and presence are magnified when so much loss, death, and war are daily headlines. We long for God to turn up, to turn hearts and minds, to turn this world on a different path.

In a humble way anchored in the sure and certain promise of God in Christ, we at New Brunswick Theological Seminary offer some of our reflections and prayers this Advent-Christmas season. With the sponsorship of our student government (Student Society for Inquiry and Ministry, SSIM) and the Office of Student Affairs, this daily devotional booklet is offered to the community and friends of the Seminary and to the community and public at-large. This is our way to bear witness of the love of God and the God of love with you and to you. The cover photo is the sculpture at the Seminary’s Chapel depicting a flame. The theme, “Looking Up, Looking Forward” is inspired by that sculpture and which was developed by one of our Doctor of Ministry students. Let us welcome God’s present presence in Jesus Christ in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas!