Editor's note: "An uncommon Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Wisconsin community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God's Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 12 – Uncommon friends
Isaiah 29:1-14 and Jude 1-25
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future” – Mama Kleba
Heading into my senior year of high school, I had no clue where I wanted to attend college. I knew God was calling me to be a Lutheran teacher and a college volleyball player, but every other detail seemed cloudy. I visited school after school, but everything felt off. Eventually, I became frustrated and my parents convinced me to visit Concordia University Wisconsin and talk with the volleyball team.
From the moment I stepped on campus, individuals welcomed me with warm smiles and greetings. When I visited the volleyball program, they made it known the team was centered around Christ. Every practice ended with prayer, each match began with a devotion, and players were expected to be positive role models around campus. The girls were kind and accepting, and they held high expectations for each other on and off the court.
In that moment, I realized CUW was where I needed to be. We live in a world where Christians are torn apart on Twitter and where news outlets highlight challenges to Christianity. Jude writes in 1:18-19 that “’In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” In 1.5 years, I will graduate from Concordia, and the world Jude describes appears terrifying and present.
Thankfully, we are not called to handle this world on our own. Jude continues in 1:20-21, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” God calls fellow Christians to help one another and be there to support each other in tough times. After my tour, I knew Concordia University Wisconsin was a place where God would bless me with friends who would encourage me to keep the faith and strengthen my relationship with God.
I pray during this Advent season that we would thank God for the amazing, God-fearing friends with whom He has blessed us with and ask that we may be that type of friend to others. Most of all, may we remember the friend we have in Jesus, our Newborn Savior. Through His mercy and grace, we may spend eternity with Him.
-Kelsey Kleba (class of 2020), is a Lutheran secondary education mathematics and Theology major, varsity volleyball player, and Bible study leader for C.O.R.E. View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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