This Advent reading comes from Jesus’ teaching on the future found in Matthew 24:
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Jesus is coming back. He said so himself. Even as we draw closer to the celebration of His first coming, I’m still excited for Jesus’ second coming. Jesus gives us a warning here we should to pay attention to. “Keep watch!” Since we’re not meant to know exactly when he’s coming, being on watch will assure we are not drifting away from God’s loving arms. The not knowing can also make the waiting and watching much harder.
Rather, we should let the anticipation of his coming fuel us toward our life’s purpose. The more time we spend reading God’s word, in prayer, and also in listening for God, the more we’re going to start to want to live in alignment with what God desires for us. We begin to recognize the open doors and inner peace that comes from doing God’s will. If we go through life with no thought of Jesus or his promised return, we may never fully achieve all that God intends for us. We’ll never know how much fuller our lives could have been.
What about those people we all know who are wildly successful? Many of them are enjoying their extravagant lifestyle with no thought of Jesus. Ever. They must really feel good about themselves and all of their “stuff.” But truth be told, I’ve heard some admit there is missing in their life. They aren’t fulfilled. Yet they keep piling on the wealth and spending it on the latest gadgets and experiences, only to be left thirsty again. They aren’t “watching.”
This empty feeling makes me think of when Jesus told the woman at the well he’s the one who gives living water to satisfy us once and for all. People who don’t know Jesus, whether they are rich or poor or somewhere in between, are missing out on the truth of life. They don’t realize the precious, tiny baby born in a stable over two thousand years ago is the most precious gift of all. No amount of money or presents under the tree will ever fill that empty space inside us that only the living water can fill.
One purpose in life we all share is to make disciples and tell people about Jesus. These Advent reflections seem to have that theme, don’t they? By keeping our own Advent preparations on course, we’re then able to be shining lights in the darkness. We know we are to be watching; but what about those who don’t know?
How is God calling you to shine this Advent season?
Let’s pray.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you shared about the future. I am so delighted I can celebrate your first coming while watching and being ready to see you when you come again. Thank you for empowering me to shine for you. When the fire of the Holy Spirit is burning bright I feel so alive. Help me to find more opportunities to share about you and your love. May I keep vigilant watch for you return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
