Stay Awake, Be Prepared – Advent Devotional

“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. …... Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”  (Matt. 24:36, 42)

 

Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

  Advent is a season with a two-fold focus. Advent is a time to recall and celebrate Jesus Christ's entrance into our world to redeem mankind and triumph over death. It is also a period in which believers look forward to the "Second Advent" - the day when Jesus Christ will return.

  For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have lived in the hope of Jesus' impending return. Jesus' description of the event spans two chapters in the Gospel of Matthew (24-25) and is usually read as part of the lectionary lessons during Advent. The Second Coming of Jesus was also emphasized in the epistles of Paul, Peter and John. Bible scholars cite more than 300 references to the Second Coming in the New Testament. In his teachings about the Second Coming, it's important to understand that Jesus emphasized spiritual preparation rather than irresponsible speculation.

  Many people have mentioned their observation of individuals on their deathbed rarely conclude that they wish they'd spent more time at work. They become focused on faith, family, how they'll be remembered and what happens when they die. Priorities that elude us in the course of our busy daily routine become crystal-clear, if our hours become few.

  In the same way, the possibility that Jesus may show up at any moment forces Christians to maintain an attitude of vigilance and preparedness. The prospect of meeting God face-to-face helps sort our priorities, and our relationship with the Lord goes right to the top of the list. Which, as Christ taught us, is as it should be, "love the Lord with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul." It reminds us that it matters whether we greet the Lord as an old friend or as a stranger.

  Christianity is a faith that takes the long view of world events. It believes that understanding the beginning and end of time provides us with perspective on everything in between, and reminds us that God is in charge throughout.

  God defines "soon" much differently than we do. God's desire is for "everyone to come to repentance" - for us to form a relationship with God as revealed to us in the work and person of Jesus Christ through prayer, study, worship and following Jesus. On a Bethlehem night 2,000 years ago, God, as Jesus came to us as a babe. One day, He will come in glory.

  Christ means for us to join him in eternal life. For now, His will for us is to be here, loving our neighbor until they ask us why, and then pointing them toward the Christ of the manger and the Cross. Christ always made a distinction between the temporary nature of our worldly existence and the permanence of the Kingdom of Heaven.

  During Advent, we celebrate the beginning of Christ's mission in our world, “God with us,” which will be completed at His Second Coming - to free us from our dependence upon this world; to secure eternal life for each and every believer through his work on our behalf. Until his coming Jesus assures us, "In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart - I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33) Our task is to “Keep awake” and do the work Jesus has given us to do, until that day in which he returns.