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16 December 11 "The Lord will keep you from all harm–He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." – Psalm 121:7-8 "Watch me, daddy!" my son, John, frequently shouts before attempting an unrehearsed stunt. "Watch me!" As I turn towards him, however, he usually blushes in hesitation. "Wait!—wait, don't look!" Then comes his admonishment if the maneuver was success- ful: "Hey, why weren't you watching?!" Like many of us, John welcomes a new challenge, but within some parameters. In a potentially harmful situation, he wants the reassurance of someone's presence. Throughout our lives, we're often fortunate enough to have those who "watch over us" to comfort us in our endeavors (i.e., family members, spous- es, or close friends). In other words, on the journey of life, it's reassuring to know that we're not alone among the towering mountain passes or in the shadow of dark valleys. We also have another guardian who "watches over us" from His throne high above the mountains (including the hills that encircle Jerusalem). The Maker of heaven and earth, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, has promised to guide our feet in the most treach- erous of circumstances (Psalm 121:2-3). The resilient beauty of Psalm 121 emphasizes God's watchfulness, and it offers some insights for our progression through the Advent season. Worshippers used to make annual religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem with its in- herent travel difficulties. This processional song, most likely written from the perspective of a priest to a pilgrim, extends a final blessing for a safe return along with a reminder that salvation exists in the Lord (Yahweh). It would have been a reassurance to the pilgrim—still exuberant from joyful worship in Jerusalem—that Yahweh's ever-vigilant presence would escort him or her throughout life's entire travails. In both pilgrimages and ordinary journeys (all "comings and goings") God would keep His faithful people from all harm (v. 8). Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ also made "a pilgrimage" to earth to powerfully min- ister through miracles and manifestations of God's presence. The incarnation that we celebrate during this Advent season is a reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of the salvation and promised protection as recorded in Psalm 121, after having made a human journey himself. Consequently, Jesus Christ knows our struggles—and blesses us—in an intimate way. In the busyness of our lives and daily work, we can discover the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Like children, we know that our Good Father "watches over us." Our help comes from Him. Brian Keithline, MDiv Alumnus A good FAther WAtches over